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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest 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 follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

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

Government spokesperson