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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

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

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

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

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for 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 rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson