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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities 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 American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson