Overview
- The Bologna Court of Appeal ruled on Oct. 27 to hand over the suspect, identified as Serhii K., who was arrested in August near Rimini on a European warrant.
- Italy’s Court of Cassation had quashed a prior extradition order on Oct. 15 and returned the case to a new panel, and the suspect will remain in Italy while the fresh appeal is heard.
- The defense says it will argue for immunity on the grounds of a political act and raise human rights issues, while German prosecutors allege he helped plant explosive devices near Bornholm and face charges including anti-constitutional sabotage.
- Lawyers will cite a recent Polish court decision that refused Germany’s request to extradite another Ukrainian, Volodymyr Z., who was subsequently released, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- The 2022 blasts severely damaged the Russia–Germany pipelines, Ukraine denies any role, and the cross-border cases have become a diplomatic flashpoint as Germany continues its criminal probe.