Ukrainian suspected in Nord Stream attack still on hunger strike

Serhiy Kuznetsov, a Ukrainian suspected of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022, has been on hunger strike in an Italian prison for ten days. According to his lawyer Nicola Canestrini, his basic rights are being violated - prison rules and bureaucracy prevent him from receiving a diet suitable for his serious health condition. He has reportedly already lost nine kilos.

He suffers from pancreatitis, celiac disease and is vegan, but the prison does not provide him with adequate conditions. In addition, he shares a cell with smokers, which is another health risk for him as a non-smoker. Kuznetsov, a former intelligence officer, was arrested in August in Italy on a European arrest warrant from Germany. He denies blame for the blasts.

An Italian court has decided to extradite him to Germany, with a final decision due in the coming weeks.

Ukraine's ombudsman has called on Italy to ensure his right to adequate food and decent conditions of detention. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the Nord Stream blasts, and Kiev denies any involvement.

(reuters, mja)