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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring 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 said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant 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 presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, 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 US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative