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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre 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 United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative