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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 attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts 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 assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

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

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson