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

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative