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

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. 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 called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges 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 long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved 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 barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative