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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring 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 far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

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

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative