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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some 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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

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 prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground 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.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson