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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure 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 radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Government representative