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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe 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 accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Government spokesperson