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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering 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 prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist 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, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

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

Government spokesperson