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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson