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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative