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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 earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 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.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative