Ukrainian citizen Serhiy Kuznetsov ended his hunger strike in an Italian prison after receiving promises regarding the respect of detainees’ rights. The lawyer reported that during this time, Kuznetsov lost about nine kilograms.
Serhiy Kuznetsov, accused of undermining the Nord Stream gas pipelines, declared a hunger strike on October 31 to draw attention to detention conditions, which he believed did not meet legislative guarantees. However, after promises from the Italian authorities to provide him with adequate nutrition necessary to maintain physical and mental health, the protest was called off.
Kuznetsov’s lawyer, Nikola Canestrini, praised the efforts of the prison administration but noted that it is important to continue closely monitoring compliance with detainees’ rights. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Cassation is to evaluate the legality of the decision by the Bologna Court of Appeal regarding Kuznetsov’s extradition to Germany.
The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmytro Lubinets, called the end of the hunger strike a result of coordinated efforts with the Italian Ombudsman Marino Fardelli. According to Lubinets, this case emphasizes the importance of the voices and solidarity of people, even beyond prison boundaries.
Kuznetsov was arrested on August 21 near Rimini under a European warrant due to suspicions of an attempt on the pipelines. His lawyer has appealed the court’s extradition decision to Germany, bringing additional international attention to the case. The further development of the situation may have significance for the defense rights of those detained in other similar legal cases.
| Date | Event |
| August 21 | Kuznetsov’s arrest in Italy |
| October 31 | Beginning of hunger strike |
| November 11 | End of hunger strike |
