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

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

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

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts 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 simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Government spokesperson