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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

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

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre 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 United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson