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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist 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 suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party 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 threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative