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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring 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 rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members 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.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson