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

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with 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 reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson