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Polish court orders Ukrainian in Nord Stream case to remain in custody

A Polish court ruled Wednesday that a Ukrainian dive, sought by Berlin for his alleged participation in explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipeline, must remain in custody until a decision on whether or not to transfer him to Germany is made.

The explosions, which were deemed an act of sabotage by both Moscow as well as the West, marked an intensification in the Ukraine conflict. They also squeezed the energy supply on the continent. The blasts have not been attributed to anyone, and Ukraine has denied all involvement.

Volodymyr Z., was arrested near Warsaw Tuesday. Volodymyr Z. will be held in custody now for seven days.

Tymoteusz Paprocki, his lawyer, told reporters that he would appeal the decision. He said that if someone lives in a country for more than three and a half years, saying there's a danger of escaping is not convincing.

The top German prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday that Polish police had responded to a European arrest order it had issued.

The statement stated that the diver was part of a group suspected of renting a yacht in Rostock, a German port on the Baltic Sea, and planting explosives near Bornholm, a Danish island, in September 2022.

The German prosecutor added that he faces charges of conspiracy to commit an explosives assault and "anti-constitutional" sabotage.

Italian police arrested an Ukrainian man in August suspected of orchestrating the attacks. His legal team stated that the man, who was identified as Serhii, would be taking his case against extradition before Italy's highest courts after a lower judge ordered his transfer to Germany. (Reporting and additional reporting by Pawel F. Florkiewicz, Ludwig Burger and Alan Charlish; writing and editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Ros Russell and Elaine Hardcastle)

(source: Reuters)