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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges 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 violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” 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 spokesperson