ICAO holds Russia accountable: New chapter for MH17 victims
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has held Russia responsible for the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. This is a historic decision that could have far-reaching consequences.
What do you need to know?
- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has determined that Russia is responsible for the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014.
- Australia and the Netherlands emphasize that this is a historic moment, demonstrating that violating international law does not go unpunished.
- Both countries demand that Russia enter negotiations and pay compensation for its actions.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced that Russia bears responsibility for the shooting down of passenger flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. This decision is the result of complaints filed by Australia and the Netherlands, which were deemed justified.
"The Russian Federation failed to uphold its obligations under international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17" stated the ICAO declaration.
The Dutch government emphasized that the ICAO's decision is an important step toward truth and justice. Australia has demanded that Russia take responsibility for its actions and pay compensation. "This is a historic moment," emphasized Australia, pointing to the importance of this decision for the international community.
Investigators point out the guilty
In 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their involvement in the downing of the aircraft. In 2023, international investigators suspended further investigation, citing insufficient evidence to prosecute other suspects. "Strong indications" suggest that Russian leader Vladimir Putin approved the delivery of the missile that shot down the aircraft.
The Boeing 777, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down on July 17, 2014, by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile over Ukrainian territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists. The disaster claimed the lives of 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch, 43 Malaysians, and 38 Australians.
