MH17 to the European Court of Human Rights
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The Netherlands decided to take Russia to the European Court of Human Rights for Russia’s involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) 6 years ago. Justice for the victims has the highest priority for the government of the Netherlands.
Shot down over Ukraine
MH17 was shot down over the area controlled by Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine. 298 people lost their lives. The plane was on its way from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia when it was shot down.
The Dutch Air Accident Investigation Board has determined that the plane was shot down with a Russian Buk M1 missile.
Russia has constantly denied any knowledge of the downing, despite the fact that the evidence is strong and that the Netherlands Air Accidents Investigation Board states that the plane was shot down with a Russian rocket system and has also pointed out several individuals who are responsible for the downing.
Justice for the dead and survivors of MH17
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok says that it is the government’s highest priority to give justice to the 298 victims.
Achieving justice for 298 victims of the downing of Flight MH17 is and will remain the government’s highest priority,’ said foreign minister Stef Blok. ‘By taking this step today – bringing a case before the ECtHR and thus supporting the applications of the next of kin as much as we can – we are moving closer to this goal.
Russia has offered the Netherlands help during the investigation, but the Netherlands’ experience is that Russia has given incorrect information several times. Some time ago, the Netherlands also asked to extradite a Ukrainian citizen for his involvement in the shooting. This person then lived in Russia, but Russia allowed him to go to the Donbas area in Ukraine which the Russian-backed rebels control.
How Russia relates to the European Court of Human Rights in this case remains to be seen.
Sources:
Oddiblog: 5 years after MH17 was shot down