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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

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

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant 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 presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates 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 AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson