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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial 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, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

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

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson