The legal representative of Serhii K., the Ukrainian national detained in Italy on suspicion of involvement in damage to the Nord Stream pipelines, is challenging his potential extradition to Germany. The lawyer announced intentions to appeal to Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome to prevent the transfer. Until the court’s decision is reached, Mr. K. will remain in custody.
The lawyer raised concerns regarding the procedural fairness of Mr. K.’s detention, specifically questioning why the European Arrest Warrant was not presented in his native language. He reiterated that his client consistently denies any involvement in the alleged incidents.
Addressing the nature of the accusations, the lawyer emphasized the complexity of the alleged actions, which reportedly involve military operations during a period of conflict. He questioned the plausibility of such a sophisticated operation being carried out by divers lacking military support. Should the events constitute acts of war, he argued, functional immunity would apply. If not, he asserted, Mr. K. should not be subject to criminal prosecution. Furthermore, he stated that acquiring military-grade explosives would be practically impossible without official authorization.
The lawyer also expressed criticism directed towards both the government of Kyiv and German authorities. He noted that the Ukrainian Embassy has not yet provided consular assistance to his client and voiced skepticism regarding assurances from German officials regarding fair detention conditions and a legally sound judicial process. He stressed that, regardless of the case’s political significance, fundamental rights must be upheld.
