The statements from Artem Uss’s defense team in Strasbourg portray the US allegations as biased and poorly defended. One of the defense lawyers, part of the Strasbourg-based team, argues that the case lacks a solid procedural foundation and that the evidence presented to date has not been adequately tested in court. The attorney notes the intense pressure faced by Uss after the first ruling that allowed extradition, underscoring how the decision may have weighed heavily on his client and created a perception of unfairness in the proceedings. Stampa.
The defense contends that Artem Uss, who is the son of Alexander Uss, the governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory, had been under house arrest and then disappeared from the place where he was held. They assert that authorities are now actively seeking him. Reports from Italian media indicate that he escaped from an apartment in Basiglio by removing a monitoring bracelet, a development that has raised questions about the security measures surrounding his detention. This occurred on the heels of the Milan Court of Appeals approving the extradition to the United States. The charges in the United States include alleged violations of sanctions against Russia and Venezuela, along with accusations of illicit transactions and money laundering. Stampa.
The defense team stresses that the extradition decision came at a moment of heightened scrutiny and that the legal process should have preserved more robust protections for the accused. They emphasize the seriousness of the accusations while arguing that the process must be transparent and fair, with all procedural avenues explored. The defense also points to the potential impact of international legal standards on the case, urging observers to consider whether due process was fully observed at every stage. Stampa.
Observers note that the situation remains fluid, with prosecutors presenting the case for extradition and defense counsel continuing to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence and the handling of the detention conditions. The unfolding events in Italy and the broader implications for cross-border enforcement of sanctions and financial crime statutes are likely to keep this case under close examination by legal professionals, policymakers, and media outlets. Stampa.