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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, 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 trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry spokesperson