Sergiy Kuznetsov, a citizen of Ukraine, who is being held in a prison in Italy on suspicion of involvement in the explosions on the “Nord Stream” gas pipelines, is in critical health condition due to his declared hunger strike. This became known after the meeting of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, with the prisoner’s wife, Halyna Kuznetsova.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ombudsman Demands Protection of Ukrainian’s Rights
According to Lubinets, the situation surrounding Kuznetsov requires immediate response and is under his personal control. He reported sending official appeals to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Italy, Vice President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno, the Italian Ombudsman, and the National Guarantor for the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty in Italy.
“The woman reported that Sergiy continues his hunger strike and is in critical health condition. That is why this situation requires immediate action, and I have taken it under personal control,” Lubinets conveyed.
Oleksandr Horodetskyi, an advisor to Lubinets in Italy, joined the campaign demanding the establishment of proper detention conditions for Kuznetsov, as well as providing him with necessary medications and food due to his health condition. He personally delivered the Ombudsman’s appeal to the Ministry of Justice of Italy. Lubinets emphasized the unacceptability of holding the Ukrainian in a high-security colony and in conditions that violate the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
Investigation and Progress of Kuznetsov’s Case
At the end of October, an Italian court approved Kuznetsov’s extradition to Germany for the second time, where he is suspected of coordinating the explosion of the “Nord Streams” in September 2022. However, the defense plans to appeal this decision in the Court of Cassation, citing procedural violations. Sergiy Kuznetsov was arrested in August in the city of Rimini after the issuance of a European arrest warrant by the German prosecution. He became the first suspect in the case of the explosions on the gas pipelines. In Germany, he is charged, among other things, with terrorist activities, but Kuznetsov does not admit guilt in court.
As a result of the explosions in 2022, three of the four strands of the pipelines connecting Russia and Western Europe were severely damaged. The restoration of these routes is considered impossible. Sweden, Denmark, and Germany have confirmed that the explosions were deliberate, but the individuals involved in the sabotage have not yet been identified.
Russia is not participating in the official investigation and accuses the USA and its allies, who deny their involvement. Some Western media suggest that individuals connected to Ukrainian special services may be involved in the explosions, but Ukraine rejects these accusations.
Lawyer Nicola Canestrini noted that Kuznetsov has been refusing food since October 31, demanding the observance of his fundamental rights, including adequate nutrition, humane conditions of detention, and equal treatment regarding family visits and access to information.