A Warsaw court denied Germany’s request to extradite Ukrainian suspect Wołodymyr Ż., citing concerns over fair trial rights and potential constitutional sabotage claims, effectively halting the European arrest warrant.
Extradition Request Denied
A Warsaw district court refused to hand over Ukrainian citizen Wołodymyr Ż. to German authorities and ordered his temporary arrest, meaning the European arrest warrant issued by Germany will not be carried out.
Defense Raises Fair‑Trial and Immunity Arguments
The defense argues that Wołodymyr Ż. cannot be extradited because German courts are not independent and judges lack material immunity, creating a risk of an unfair trial.
It also cites functional immunity, asserting that in an armed conflict both military forces and civilians may act, and that if the EU regards Nord Stream 1 and 2 as Russian military infrastructure, sabotage by a Ukrainian citizen could be considered a constitutional act.
Background of Arrest and Charges
Polish authorities arrested the suspect in September after he applied for permission to purchase property in Poland. A European arrest warrant was issued by the German Federal Court of Justice in June 2023 on suspicion that he participated in the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline. Wołodymyr Ż. admitted guilt and has been involved in construction work in Poland.
Pending Appeal
Both parties have the right to appeal the court’s decision to an appellate court.