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

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists 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 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

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 anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative