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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants 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 violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation 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.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative