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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 Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

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

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings 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 government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson