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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Government representative