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

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called 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 multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson