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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering 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 same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson