Ukrainian Suspect in the Nord Stream Case Goes on Hunger Strike in Italian Prison

Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov, who was detained in Italy on suspicion of involvement in the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, has gone on a hunger strike in a maximum security prison.

According to his lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, the protest has been ongoing since October 31, Babel reports.

The defense claims that since his arrest on August 22, he has not been provided with a diet compatible with his health condition, which has led to a deterioration in his physical condition.

“A hunger strike by a prisoner is always an alarming signal. No one should be forced to resort to extreme measures to obtain recognition of their basic rights,” Nicola Canestrini, the defendant’s lawyer, said.

He called on the prison administration and the Italian Ministry of Justice to intervene urgently.

Kuznetsov is currently awaiting a decision on the European arrest warrant issued by Germany. On October 27, a court in Bologna ruled that he be handed over to the German side. The defense filed an appeal with the Italian Supreme Court.

The lawyer emphasizes that the court used evidence against the Ukrainian that the Italian Supreme Court had previously invalidated. In his opinion, this calls into question the legality of the extradition process.