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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson