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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

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

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates 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 urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative