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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment 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.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around 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 currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision 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 US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative