Ukrinform reports this, citing APA APA
Italian lawyer Nicola Canestrini published a letter from a Ukrainian citizen detained in Italy on suspicion of coordinating sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in 2022.
According to law enforcement and judicial authorities, the suspect is held under heightened security in a state of complete isolation and under constant surveillance.
“I am held under armed guard, in complete isolation and under constant surveillance. I have gone on a hunger strike because the Italian side is ignoring my requests and violating my rights”
– a Ukrainian
The man also states that he is an officer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is proud to serve the Ukrainian people: “I love Ukraine and its people and I am proud to be an officer of the Armed Forces. Glory to Ukraine!”
“I love Ukraine and its people and I am proud to be an officer of the Armed Forces. Glory to Ukraine!”
– a Ukrainian
According to the lawyer, the defendant is currently in a maximum-security prison in the city of Ferrara, and since his arrest on August 22 he has not been receiving proper nutrition, which leads to physical exhaustion.
The defense lawyer’s main focus is safeguarding the inmate’s basic rights and preventing infringements of detention conditions by the Italian side.
Lawyer’s comments and the status of the case
“The prisoner’s hunger strike is a troubling signal not only for the individual himself. No one should be forced to take extreme actions to have their basic rights recognized”
– Nicola Canestrini
He urged the Italian authorities to urgently improve the conditions of the suspect’s detention so that they meet international standards.
Earlier reports spoke of a decision to extradite the suspect to Germany; the defense filed a cassation appeal against the verdict. Information about the status of the case will remain within official procedures.
You might be interested in: