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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson