US State Department Announces Designations
The United States Department of State announced on November 13, 2025, the designation of four European far-left organizations as Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organizations (SDGTs). These groups are also slated for formal classification as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective November 20, 2025. The decision, made under the administration of President Donald Trump, aims to combat what the US government describes as a campaign of political violence by these entities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the designations, emphasizing the US commitment to confronting such actions.
Targeted Organizations and Their Ideologies
The four organizations identified by the US State Department are:
- Antifa Ost (also known as Antifa East or Hammerbande): A Germany-based militant group.
- Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front (FAI/FRI): Primarily operating in Italy, with reported affiliates across Europe, South America, and Asia.
- Armed Proletarian Justice: A Greek anarchist and 'anti-capitalist' group.
- Revolutionary Class Self-Defense: Another Greek anarchist and 'anti-capitalist' group.
According to the State Department, these groups adhere to 'revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies,' which they use to 'incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas.'
Violent Acts in Budapest Highlighted
A key factor in the designation, particularly for Antifa Ost, was its alleged involvement in a series of violent attacks in Budapest, Hungary, in mid-February 2023. These incidents reportedly targeted individuals perceived as 'fascists' or part of the 'right-wing scene.' One prominent case involved Ilaria Salis, a member of Antifa Ost, who gained notoriety for allegedly attacking and seriously injuring individuals in Budapest. Another member, Simeon Ravi Trux (alias 'Maja'), is currently in pre-trial detention in Hungary in connection with the 2023 attacks. Hungary had previously taken its own action, designating Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization on September 26, 2025, and adding it to its national anti-terrorism list. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly supported the US decision, having previously indicated his government's intent to classify Antifa as a terrorist organization within Hungary.
Implications of the Terrorist Designation
The designation carries significant legal and financial consequences. These organizations and their members will lose access to the U.S. financial system, and their assets will be frozen. Furthermore, any activity that provides financial or logistical support to these groups will be considered a criminal offense, with potential for secondary punitive measures. Members of the designated groups will also be barred from entering the United States. This move represents an extension of the Trump administration's broader efforts to address what it identifies as militant left-wing extremism, treating it as a transnational security threat rather than solely a domestic political issue.
6 Comments
Bermudez
It's important to address political violence, but I worry this designation could be selectively applied, ignoring similar acts from other ideological spectrums for political gain.
Africa
Great move by the US. Terrorists are terrorists, regardless of their ideology.
Mariposa
This is a dangerous political weaponization of 'terrorism' labels. Pure overreach.
Michelangelo
While violence from any group is unacceptable, labeling these organizations as 'terrorists' seems like a significant escalation that could have broad implications for protest movements.
ZmeeLove
Finally, accountability for these violent groups! Long overdue.
Bella Ciao
On one hand, confronting groups that use violence is necessary for public safety. On the other, the timing and political nature of this decision raise questions about its true intent beyond national security.