Serhij K., a Ukrainian citizen accused of bombing the Nord Stream pipeline, has begun a hunger strike in an Italian prison to demand proper treatment and access to information, says his lawyer.
Hunger strike of Ukrainian suspect
Serhij K. started a hunger strike on 4 November in the Italian prison where he is held, according to his lawyer Nicola Canestrini. He has refused food since 31 October, citing a need for proper nutrition, a healthy environment, dignified conditions, and equal treatment regarding family visits and access to information.
Extradition of Serhij K.
In August, Serhij K. was arrested near the Italian town of Rimini while he was in the vicinity. Germany issued an arrest warrant as part of its investigation into Nord Stream sabotage. An Italian appellate court in Bologna ruled that he should be extradited to Germany under the extradition procedure. The Ukrainian defendant maintains his innocence.
Second suspect in Nord Stream case
Wołodymyr Ż. was also suspected of Nord Stream sabotage. On 17 October, the Warsaw District Court denied the request for his extradition to Germany, where a European Arrest Warrant had been issued. The court concluded that the warrant could not be enforced. Wołodymyr Ż. has since left prison, asserting that he committed no crimes in Germany and that other Ukrainian divers could be charged similarly.