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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point 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

The trial 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 Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as 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 assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson