In a significant legal development, Italy’s highest court has overturned the extradition of a Ukrainian man, Serhii Kuznietsov, to Germany. Kuznietsov, 49, was arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines, critical infrastructure transporting Russian natural gas to Germany. The Cassation Court in Italy annulled a prior ruling by the Bologna Court of Appeal, which had approved the extradition. The case has now been referred back to the appeal court for reassessment. Kuznietsov’s lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, stated that the court’s detailed reasoning for the decision is yet to be released but is anticipated in the coming weeks. Canestrini also indicated that he is considering requesting Kuznietsov’s release, as the legal grounds for his detention have been invalidated. The explosions, which occurred in September 2022, severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and the unused Nord Stream 2 pipeline, both located in the Baltic Sea. German prosecutors allege that Kuznietsov organized the detonation of multiple bombs at significant depths near the Danish island of Bornholm. Kuznietsov, who was detained in August 2023 while vacationing with his family in Italy, has consistently denied involvement, claiming he was serving in the Ukrainian military at the time of the incident. This case has drawn international attention, with Poland also arresting another Ukrainian suspect linked to the explosions, whose extradition remains pending.
Italy’s top court blocks extradition of Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream explosions’ case
