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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson