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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified 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 draws far-right participants from across Europe.

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

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises 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 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

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 offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson