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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases 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 conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

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 makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry representative