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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with 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 four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe 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 instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative