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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details 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. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson