The MH17 Tragedy and the Ongoing Investigation
The case of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, shot down in Ukraine in 2014, remains one of the most contentious and complex incidents of recent history. Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to Russian involvement, the investigators and the victims' families continue to fight for justice. This article delves into the accused individuals, the political motivations behind the charges, and the challenges posed by Russian obstruction.
Accused Individuals
The Dutch-led international investigation has formally charged four individuals with murder in connection with the tragic loss of Flight MH17. Three of the accused are Russians, while the fourth is a Ukrainian. The accused face severe criminal liability for the lives lost on that fateful day.
The suspects are:
Igor Girkin: A former FSB (Russian Federal Security Service) colonel who served as Minister of Defence in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic. Sergey Dubinskiy: An employee of Russia’s GRU (Military Intelligence Agency) and Deputy to Girkin in the Donetsk Defense Ministry. Oleg Pulatov: A former GRU Spetsnaz (Special Forces) soldier who served as Deputy to Dubinskiy. Leonid Kharchenko: A Ukrainian who led the military combat unit in Donetsk.These individuals, according to the investigators, formed a chain linking the separatists in Donetsk with the Russian Federation, providing heavy equipment and anti-aircraft systems to the separatists, including the Buk launcher used to down the plane.
Political Motivations and Controversies
The political motivations behind these charges are multifaceted and contentious. Critics argue that the investigation is politically motivated and lacks value as it seeks to demonize Russia. However, the incident remains a significant factor in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Moreover, the incident highlights a double standard in international law regarding the shooting down of civilian aircraft. In 1988, during the Iran Air Flight 655 incident, the United States inadvertently shot down a civilian aircraft within Iranian waters. Notably, a US Navy warship commander, William C. Rogers, was awarded the Legion of Merit, demonstrating a lenient approach towards such incidents. In contrast, if a country mistakenly shoots down a civilian aircraft from another country, the consequences can be far more severe.
Challenges and Obstacles
The trial of these accused individuals faces significant obstacles. The three Russian suspects are believed to be living in Russia where they will not be extradited, and a “mechanism” for a trial in absentia has yet to be established. The fourth Ukrainian suspect, Leonid Kharchenko, is thought to be hiding in the rebel-controlled Donetsk region beyond the reach of Dutch law.
The Dutch chief prosecutor, Fred Westerbeke, emphasized the Russian government's lack of cooperation, stating, 'We now have proof Russia was involved in this tragedy this crime. One day after 17 July [2014], they were in a position to tell us exactly what happened. They knew. The Buk was used in eastern Ukraine and they knew this. They didn’t give us this information.'
Despite the challenges, the Dutch-led investigation continues to seek new leads, aiming to uncover the full chain of command and the individuals responsible for the tragedy. The ongoing efforts symbolize the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
The Impact on International Relations
The MH17 incident has had a profound impact on international relations, particularly between the Netherlands and Russia. The Dutch investigative team and the families of the victims see this as a step toward justice, but the Russian government's refusal to participate in the investigation and its aggressive stance has further strained relations.
Theresa May's reported efforts to improve relations with Putin ahead of a potential meeting at the G20 in Japan has been criticized by families of the victims. Simon Mayne, whose son was among the victims, accused Prime Minister May of not taking a strong stance against Russian aggression.
In conclusion, the MH17 tragedy is a poignant reminder of the importance of international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting such incidents. The ongoing investigation and the charges filed serve as a beacon of hope for the families of the victims and a sign that accountability will eventually be delivered.