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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative