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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany 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 central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue 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 attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist 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, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses 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, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest 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. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Government spokesperson