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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges 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 the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

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

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants 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 violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry 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 already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative