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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring 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 allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became 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 makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative