ICAO's ruling on MH17: Russia held accountable
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has held Russia responsible for the shooting down 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 historic moment shows that breaking international law has consequences.
- Both countries demand that Russia negotiate and pay compensation for its actions.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced that Russia is responsible for the shooting down of passenger flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. This decision resulted from complaints lodged by Australia and the Netherlands deemed justified.
"The Russian Federation did not comply with its obligations in the field of international aviation law," stated the ICAO's declaration.
The Dutch government emphasized that the ICAO's decision is essential for truth and justice. Australia demanded that Russia take responsibility for its actions and pay compensation. "This is a historic moment," Australia highlighted, pointing to the significance of this decision for the international community.
Prosecutors identify the guilty
In 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their involvement in the shooting down of the aircraft. In 2023, international investigators suspended further investigations, 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 plane.
On July 17, 2014, at approximately 10:20 AM Eastern Time, a Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down 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.
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