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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering 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 four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering 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 applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry 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 already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative