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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization 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 Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts 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-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative