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

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative