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

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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 neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

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 often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for 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 managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson