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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

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. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative