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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

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

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson