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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

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

German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing 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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany 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 American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson