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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member 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 trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, 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 US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson