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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson