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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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 attacks on presumed far-right targets.

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

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson