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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist 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 repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative