U.S. Designates Four European Antifa Groups as Terrorists

This week, the Trump administration formally classified four Antifa groups from Europe as terrorist organizations. This marks the first instance of an international designation since a similar classification of a U.S.-based Antifa affiliate in September.

The State Department announced that radical left-wing groups operating in Germany, Greece, and Italy will receive this designation starting November 20. This decision aligns with the administration’s commitment to addressing what it sees as Antifa’s violent political activities.

Among the designated groups is Antifa Ost, or “Hammer Gang,” based in Germany. They are accused of conducting numerous violent acts against individuals labeled as “fascists” or part of the “right-wing scene” between 2018 and 2023, as well as a series of attacks in Budapest in February 2023.

Interestingly, reports indicate that the U.S. did not consult with Berlin prior to making this classification. Being labeled a terrorist organization entails several legal consequences for members, including asset freezes and travel prohibitions to the U.S.

One implicated member, Ilaria Saris, was placed under house arrest in Hungary after the Budapest attack but was later released due to her election to the European Parliament. This incident contributed to Hungary’s decision to label Antifa as a terrorist group.

This past July, German prosecutors charged six individuals linked to Antifa Ost with a range of serious offenses, including attempted murder related to the Budapest incident. Furthermore, a trial is currently underway in Dresden involving seven other members of the group for similar charges.

The Antifa cell in Germany recently justified a firebombing attack on the vehicle of a leader from the Alternative for Germany party, citing the ongoing trial as their motivation. They rallied support for further militant organization through statements emphasizing their anti-fascist agenda.

In addition to Antifa Ost, the State Department also classified the Italy-based Unofficial Anarchist Federation International Revolutionary Front (FAI-FRI) and Greek organizations Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense as terrorists. The FAI-FRI has claimed responsibility for various threats and attacks against political and economic institutions.

Both Greek organizations are allegedly involved in planning and executing attacks on government targets using improvised explosive devices. This aligns with a broader pattern where Antifa, originally emerging in the 1930s as a response to fascism, has been blamed for various acts of sabotage across Europe.

The Trump administration has stated unequivocally that it will use all available tools to safeguard national security and maintain public safety, including targeting Antifa groups globally.