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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. 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 honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative