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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative