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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

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, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, 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 renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson