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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative