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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move 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 posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative