Ukrainian Officer on Hunger Strike Claims Mistreatment in Italian Prison

STANDFIRST

Serhiy Kuznetsov, a former Ukrainian military officer, is on a hunger strike in Italy, alleging mistreatment to force a confession regarding the Nord Stream pipeline attacks. His case raises concerns about legal and human rights implications amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

At a glance

  • Serhiy Kuznetsov has been on hunger strike for ten days in an Italian prison.
  • He claims mistreatment and denial of special dietary needs while in custody.
  • German prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for Kuznetsov and another Ukrainian citizen.

    • Hunger Strike and Allegations of Mistreatment

    Serhiy Kuznetsov, detained in Italy since August, is currently on the tenth day of a hunger strike. He alleges that Italian authorities are mistreating him in an effort to extract a confession regarding the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions in 2022. Kuznetsov's lawyer has shared a letter in which he describes being treated as "criminal no.1" and held in a high-security facility alongside suspected terrorists. Kuznetsov has expressed concerns about his treatment, particularly regarding his vegetarian diet, which he claims has been ignored. He states that the prison has refused to accommodate his dietary needs, leading to worries about his health. A relative mentioned attempts to deliver special food, which were also denied, raising alarms about his physical condition. The Nord Stream pipelines were damaged during a critical period of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to widespread speculation about the motives behind the attack. Initially, many suspected Russian involvement, viewing it as a tactic to manipulate European energy supplies.

    Legal Proceedings and Extradition Requests

    German prosecutors have activated arrest warrants for Kuznetsov and another Ukrainian, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was detained in Poland. The charges against them include "anti-constitutional sabotage." A Polish judge ruled against Zhuravlyov's extradition, citing that if Ukrainians were involved, their actions could be seen as legitimate self-defense in the context of the ongoing war. In contrast, a court in Bologna has approved Kuznetsov's extradition following a closed hearing. He is currently appealing this decision for the second time. His lawyer has reported that Kuznetsov has lost significant weight during his hunger strike, indicating a serious decline in his health.

    Concerns from Ukrainian Officials

    Kuznetsov's lawyer has voiced concerns that the Ukrainian government has abandoned him, suggesting that they should either confirm his involvement or protect him if he is innocent. Ukrainian officials have consistently denied any involvement in the Nord Stream attacks and have not commented on Kuznetsov's situation recently. On Sunday, Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, announced that an adviser would investigate Kuznetsov's case and the conditions of his imprisonment. Kuznetsov himself has acknowledged the government's focus on the broader war efforts, expressing understanding of their priorities.

    Patriotic Sentiments Amidst Legal Struggles

    In his letter, Kuznetsov concludes with a message of patriotism, expressing his love for Ukraine and pride in serving as an officer in its armed forces. His final appeal hearing in Italy is expected to take place in the coming weeks, as his situation continues to draw attention amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.