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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

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

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson