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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, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist 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 the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson