AdminOn the solemn occasion of the 9th anniversary of the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, dignitaries from the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine, along with representatives from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), gathered at the MH17 memorial in Canberra to pay tribute to the 298 innocent lives lost.
MH17, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, met a devastating fate on July 17, 2014 when it was tragically shot down over Ukraine, resulting in the loss of all passengers and crew members on board, including 80 children. The incident shook the world and sparked an international investigation to determine the responsible parties behind this heinous act.
The commemorative ceremony, held at the MH17 monument located near Parliament House in Canberra, witnessed the attendance of high-ranking officials and representatives who solemnly laid wreaths in memory of the victims. The gathering included ambassadors, diplomats, and law enforcement officials from the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine, highlighting the global significance of this tragedy.
Pursuit of justice
During the proceedings, the attendees reflected on the International Court of Justice’s findings in The Hague, which determined that the aircraft had been targeted by Russia-backed militants led by Igor Girkin, Leonid Kharchenko, and Sergei Dubinsky. In November 2022, the District Court of The Hague delivered a verdict, sentencing these individuals to life in prison in absentia, a significant step towards justice for the victims.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, co-founder of the Ukraine Crisis Media Center, expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “It is only just and appropriate that those responsible for their murder, and that of all other passengers and crew on the flight, are being pursued by international judicial processes. They must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and face the full consequences of their evil act. It is important that there has been recent progress in this regard.”
The gathering in Canberra served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and emphasized the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind the MH17 tragedy. The joint collaboration between nations in pursuing justice for the victims demonstrates a resolute commitment to ensuring accountability for this reprehensible act.
As the 9th anniversary of the MH17 disaster was marked, the memory of those who perished continued to be honored, and the global community remained steadfast in its pursuit of truth and justice for the victims and their grieving families. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for international cooperation and relentless efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
CJMY
