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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

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.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson