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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called 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 the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became 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 barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson