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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details 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, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter 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 applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative