Italy Blocks Extradition of Nord Stream Bombing Suspect

5 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 16 MINUTES AGO

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Above: A gas leak following the explosion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea on Sept. 27, 2022. Image copyright: Swedish Coast Guard/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Italy's Supreme Court made the right call blocking extradition of the Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream case. The defense successfully proved German authorities botched the legal classification in their arrest warrant. Ukraine has consistently denied involvement and the explosions didn't even help their war effort.

Kyiv Post

Pro-Russia narrative

European leaders are defending terrorism by blocking the extradition of the Nord Stream terrorists. Polish officials openly celebrate pipeline destruction while refusing to hand over Ukrainian suspects to German prosecutors. This sets a dangerous precedent where political allies get protection for committing acts of sabotage.

Russia Today

Establishment-critical narrative

While Ukraine was likely thrilled to see the Nord Stream pipeline destroyed, these two men are most likely patsies being used to protect the U.S. As was explained by top investigative journalists two years ago, U.S. and Norwegian Naval personnel and intelligence agencies likely worked together to blow up the pipeline. This also makes the most sense, as then-U.S. president Joe Biden openly stated, "there will no longer be a Nord Stream 2" if Russia invades.

by Daniel Lazare