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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, 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 draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson