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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson