German ‘hammer gang’ trial for seven accused of extreme-left violence

Seven people have gone on trial in Dresden, eastern Germany, charged with being members or supporters of a militant, criminal left-wing extremist group, Antifa Ost – also known as the “hammer gang”.

Earlier this month the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organisation, along with several other far-left European groups.

German prosecutors say the group, founded in late 2017 or early 2018, carried out violent attacks on people they considered to be part of the right-wing scene. The attacks took place in Germany and in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

The six men and one woman who are on trial face charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage.

Read more: BBC News