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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant 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, responsible for organizing violent acts 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 managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative