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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using 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 scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern 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.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

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

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson