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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative