Italian Supreme Court ordered the extradition of Ukrainian suspect Serhij K. to Germany after a lawyer’s appeal and a hunger strike protesting his detention conditions.
Italian Court Orders Transfer of Serhij K. to Germany
Italy’s Supreme Court decided to hand over Serhij K. to German authorities after his lawyer filed an appeal against an appellate court ruling in Bologna on 27 October. The court permitted the transfer, which is expected to occur within days.
Shortly before the decision, Serhij K. began a hunger strike to protest the conditions of his detention and the diet unsuited to his pancreatitis and celiac disease. He ended the strike after the Italian government assured full respect of his rights. His lawyer, Nicolò Canestrini, warned that 15 years of prison await him in Germany.
Arrest of a 49‑Year‑Old Woman Under European Arrest Warrant
Three months ago, a 49‑year‑old woman was detained in the seaside resort of Rimini while staying with her family on vacation. The arrest was carried out under a European Arrest Warrant.
German authorities allege that Serhij K. not only participated in but also coordinated a 2022 sabotage operation of the Nord Stream pipeline. The Ukrainian denies any involvement in the pipe’s destruction.
Poland Refuses to Hand Over Wołodymyr Z. to Germany
Poland’s Warsaw District Court denied the German request to extradite Ukrainian suspect Wołodymyr Z., who is also accused of sabotaging Nord Stream. Consequently, the European Arrest Warrant cannot be enforced.
The German Federal Court of Justice issued a decision regarding the suspect and simultaneously lifted his own arrest order. The parties may appeal the district court’s ruling to an appellate court.
