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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

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 that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative