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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, 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 simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative