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

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused 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.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson