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

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

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

The US designation 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.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson