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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, 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 that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson