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

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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

Regional context 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 frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, 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 managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. 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. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative