🔗 Share this article A group of seven accused individuals of German far-left group stand trial over multiple violent incidents Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”. International terrorist designation and prosecution case Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks. Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists. Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured. Trial details and cross-border allegations Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent. In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year. Historical background 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 antifascist groups that counter them. Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices. Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices. Previous convictions and international reactions A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals. America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them. Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation. “The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.” Interior ministry representative