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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner 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 severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson