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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings 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 American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative