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

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson