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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

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 violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” 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 neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

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

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson