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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman 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 early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

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

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson