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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, 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 welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Government spokesperson