Kuznetsov's lawyer outlines possible sentence in Nord Stream case

Serhii Kuznetsov could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge in the Nord Stream pipeline case, his lawyer Nicola Canestrini told RIA Novosti.

Canestrini said the potential sentence concerned the war crime charge under section 11 of Germany's Code of Crimes against International Law. Prosecutors characterise the alleged attack on the pipelines as an attack on civilian objects.

The lawyer said the defence disputes both the factual and legal grounds of the prosecution. Its arguments include an alleged breach of the principle of speciality: the defence maintains that, following extradition from Italy, Kuznetsov may be prosecuted only on charges covered by the authorisation for his surrender.

The trial at Hamburg's Higher Regional Court opened on October 14. The defence requested dismissal at the opening hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for October 27.