Italian Court Rules on Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Case

An Italian court has ruled for a second time to extradite a Ukrainian man to Germany. The decision involves the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The ruling was made by an appeals court in Bologna on Monday.

The suspect, Serhii Kuznietsov, has been detained in Italy since August. His lawyer confirmed the court’s decision and announced an immediate appeal. This marks the latest development in a complex legal battle over the 2022 pipeline explosions.

Nord Stream Extradition Faces Legal Challenges

This is the second time the Bologna court has approved the extradition. A different section of the same court had initially approved it in September. However, Italy’s top court, the Court of Cassation, later rejected that decision.

The Supreme Court found an issue with the European arrest warrant from Germany. It determined the lower court had incorrectly reclassified the alleged sabotage as a terrorism-related offence. This sent the case back to the Bologna court for a fresh examination.

According to his lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, the proceedings are “tainted by serious procedural violations.” The defense argues these issues undermine legality and fundamental guarantees of due process. Kuznietsov continues to deny any involvement in the attacks.

Defense Claims Immunity in Pipeline Attack Case

Serhii Kuznietsov claims he was a member of the Ukrainian armed forces. His defense team states he was in Ukraine at the time of the incident. They argue this should grant him “functional immunity” under international law.

German prosecutors have identified a Ukrainian cell of five men and one woman. They are considered the perpetrators of the blasts. At the time of his arrest, German authorities said Kuznietsov used forged documents to charter a yacht from Rostock.

The underwater pipelines were damaged by huge explosions in September 2022. This occurred just months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The pipelines had shipped Russian gas to Europe for years.

If extradited and found guilty in Germany, Kuznietsov faces up to 15 years in prison. His lawyer expects the Supreme Court appeal to be heard within about one month. Until that decision, Kuznietsov will remain in custody in Italy.

The ongoing Nord Stream extradition case highlights the complex international legal ramifications of the pipeline sabotage, with the defendant’s fate now resting on a final Italian Supreme Court ruling.

Info at your fingertips

What is Serhii Kuznietsov accused of?

He is accused of being part of a cell that placed explosives on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. German prosecutors allege he used forged identity documents to charter a yacht used in the operation. The sabotage occurred in September 2022.

Why was the first extradition approval rejected?

Italy’s Supreme Court rejected the initial decision due to a problem with the German arrest warrant. The court found the lower court had wrongly classified the alleged crime as terrorism. This legal technicality forced a reexamination of the case.

What is the defense’s main argument?

The defense claims Kuznietsov was a Ukrainian soldier in Ukraine during the incident. They argue this grants him “functional immunity” from prosecution under international law. His lawyer also cites serious procedural violations in the case.

What happens next in the legal process?

Kuznietsov’s lawyer will appeal to Italy’s Supreme Court. That hearing is expected to occur within approximately one month. The suspect will remain in an Italian jail until the high court makes its final decision.

What was the impact of the Nord Stream explosions?

The blasts severely damaged the key underwater pipelines linking Russia to Europe. They occurred after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and disrupted gas supplies. The incident triggered multiple international investigations.