ICAO holds Russia accountable for MH17 shootdown
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 is a historic moment that shows that breaking international law has consequences.
- Both countries demand that Russia engage in negotiations 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, which were deemed justified.
The ICAO's declaration stated, "The Russian Federation failed to uphold its obligations under international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17."
The Dutch government emphasized that the ICAO's decision is an important step towards truth and justice. Australia demanded that Russia take responsibility for its actions and pay compensation. Australia highlighted, "This is a historic moment," 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 investigation, citing insufficient evidence to prosecute other suspects. There are "strong indications" that Russian leader Vladimir Putin approved the delivery of the missile that shot down the plane.
On July 17, 2014, 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 all 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch, 43 Malaysians, and 38 Australians.
