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

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

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 oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict 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 urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative