Background on the Groups and Their Relevance
The Donald Trump administration has designated four left-wing groups from Germany, Italy, and Greece as terrorists, citing threats to national security amidst their actions against the anti-fascist movement. These groups are Antifa Ost from Germany, the Federación Anarquísta Informal/Frente Revolucionario Internacional (FAI/FRI) from Italy, and the Greek groups Justicia Proletaria Armada and Autodefensa de Clase Revolucionaria.
Who are these groups?
- Antifa Ost: A German-based left-wing group accused of carrying out numerous attacks against individuals they consider “fascist” or part of the “extreme right” between 2018 and 2023.
- FAI/FRI: An Italian-based anarchist group with branches in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. They have been linked to threats against political and economic institutions since 2003.
- Justicia Proletaria Armada and Autodefensa de Clase Revolucionaria: Greek groups responsible for attacks using improvised explosive devices against government targets and bombings, including one directed at the Greek Ministry of Labor.
Why are they relevant?
- These groups have been labeled as terrorists by the US Department of State, led by Marco Rubio, due to their alleged attacks on perceived political adversaries and institutions.
- The designation stems from the belief that these groups pose a threat to national security, particularly in their opposition to far-right ideologies and movements.
Actions Taken by the Trump Administration
On this Thursday, the US State Department announced that it has designated the aforementioned groups as “global terrorist entities” under the “Special Designation.” However, their inclusion in the list of foreign terrorist organizations will only take effect starting November 20.
Key Points:
- The Trump administration has accused Antifa Ost of numerous attacks against individuals deemed “fascist” or part of the “extreme right” in Germany from 2018 to 2023.
- FAI/FRI, an Italian-based group with international branches, has been linked to threats against political and economic institutions since 2003.
- Justicia Proletaria Armada and Autodefensa de Clase Revolucionaria, both Greek groups, have been responsible for attacks using improvised explosive devices against government targets.
Previous Designations and Controversy
In late September, the Trump administration designated “Antifa” as a “domestic terrorist organization,” despite the movement lacking solid structures, leaders, or member lists. The administration accused Antifa of explicitly demanding the overthrow of the US government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are the groups designated as terrorists by the US? A: Antifa Ost (Germany), FAI/FRI (Italy), Justicia Proletaria Armada (Greece), and Autodefensa de Clase Revolucionaria (Greece).
- Q: When will these groups be officially added to the US list of foreign terrorist organizations? A: Their inclusion will take effect on November 20.
- Q: Why were these groups designated as terrorists? A: The US State Department, led by Marco Rubio, accused them of posing threats to national security through attacks on perceived political adversaries and institutions.
- Q: What is Antifa, and why was it previously designated as a domestic terrorist organization? A: Antifa is an umbrella term for left-wing, anti-fascist movements and organizations. The Trump administration designated it as a domestic terrorist organization in September 2020, alleging that it sought the overthrow of the US government despite lacking a clear structure or leadership.
