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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

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. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative