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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants 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, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became 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, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative