On Tuesday, the Court of Cassation in Bologna will decide whether 49‑year‑old Serhij K. must be extradited to Germany for alleged involvement in the 2019 Nord Stream 2 pipeline sabotage.
Extradition Hearing Set for 15 October
The Court of Cassation in Bologna is scheduled to issue its final judgment on Tuesday, 15 October, regarding the extradition request filed by German prosecutors for Serhij K. The case hinges on a European Arrest Warrant that was issued after the suspect’s arrest in Italy.
Background of the Case
Serhij K. was detained on 21 August after arriving in Italy from Poland. German authorities allege he led a group of Ukrainians who detonated the Nord Stream 2 pipeline while operating from a yacht rented in Rostock. Defenders argue that the attack was part of the broader Russo‑Ukrainian conflict, and they claim the arrest and potential extradition violate the suspect’s rights.
His lawyer has submitted an appeal to the Court of Cassation, while also requesting an assessment of German prison conditions, citing possible “fatal danger” for the defendant if extradited.
German Demands Second Suspect
Germany is also seeking the extradition of second Ukrainian suspect Volodymyr Z., detained in Poland on 20 September at the request of German prosecutors. The Warsaw district court extended his arrest for 40 days on 6 October, with prosecutors seeking 100 days.
One day later, an appeal was lodged against the temporary arrest in the Warsaw Court of Appeals, with lawyer Tymoteusz Paprocki arguing that the suspect should be released on bail.
Legal Arguments and Defense
German authorities accuse Volodymyr Z. of constitutional sabotage, property destruction, and the Nord Stream explosion—crimes punishable by up to 15 years under German law. The Ukrainian defendant denies any involvement.
Both suspects’ attorneys have called the accusations unfounded, asserting that the cases are politically motivated and that the suspects should be freed pending trial.
