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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, 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. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

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 makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative