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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with 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 the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative