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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their 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 classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry representative