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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified 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 rightwing extremists from across Europe.

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

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative