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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative