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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson