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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal 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 “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative