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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

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 attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, 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

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative