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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws 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 long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist 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.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative