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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

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

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed 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 the organization, responsible for 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 Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative