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 organization, joining several other far-left European groups.

German prosecutors state that this group, which emerged in late 2017 or early 2018, has been involved in violent assaults on individuals identified as part of the right-wing scene. These attacks occurred throughout Germany and in Budapest.

The defendants, which include six men and one woman, face serious charges like attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage.

They are known only by their first names: Henry A, Tobias E, Johann G, Thomas J, Melissa K, Paul M, and Julian W, to comply with German privacy laws.

Prosecutors allege that their attacks were meticulously planned, often involving prior surveillance of victims, and included brutal assaults using hammers and batons.

Notably, Johann G is charged as a key leader within the group, cited for orchestrating attacks and enlisting new members, while another defendant, Paul M, reportedly organized combat training.

In a particular incident from January 2019, defendants including Johann G and Tobias E attacked four individuals returning from a rally in Magdeburg, inflicting severe injuries with heavy tools.

Charges against Johann G and Paul M extend beyond Germany, as they are also implicated in violent incidents in Budapest, where they reportedly participated in assaults against right-wing activists commemorating a controversial historical event.

The US government's label of Antifa Ost as a terrorist group has prompted mixed reactions, with some German officials echoing calls for a similar designation in Germany to combat extremism more effectively.

The attack in Budapest involved multiple perpetrators using hammers and batons, with one victim suffering severe head injuries.

The designation by the US government implicates significant consequences for group members, creating obstacles for their international travel and financial activities.

The German foreign ministry has acknowledged the US classification, emphasizing the necessity of addressing any form of extremism.