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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 rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded 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 threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson