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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

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

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named 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 attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative