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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson