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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson