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

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

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

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

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

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry spokesperson