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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative