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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative