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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, 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. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

Prosecutors describe 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 radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson