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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several 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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative