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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

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

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, 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 planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

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

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson