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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson