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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson