Europe Court Holds Russia Liable for MH17�Tragedy

The European Human Rights Court has recently ruled that Russia was responsible for downing a Malaysian Airlines flight 11 years ago. The court stated that the attack on the plane was intentional, possibly mistaking it for a military aircraft. Russia's refusal to acknowledge its involvement is considered a violation of international laws, further intensifying the grief of the victims' families.

In July 2014, a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 with 298 people on board was shot down over Ukraine while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The missile attack was allegedly carried out by Ukrainian separatists using missiles supplied by Russia with President Vladimir Putin's approval. An international investigation team previously revealed these details, asserting they had evidence of Putin's involvement.

International Investigation and Reactions

Russia was not part of the international investigation team and rejected its findings at the time. Moscow dismissed the recent court ruling as well, while Ukraine hailed it as a significant victory. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.

In December last year, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed during landing in Kazakhstan after departing from Baku to Grozny, Russia. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and left 29 others severely injured. Allegations emerged blaming Russia for this incident as well, with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev accusing Russian gunfire from its territory as the cause.

Allegations Against Russia

Despite offering apologies, Putin did not accept responsibility for causing the crash. Critics accused Moscow of attempting to conceal the true cause of the accident, even though it might not have been deliberate. These incidents continue to strain relations between Russia and other nations involved.

The United Nations aviation agency had previously identified Moscow as responsible for the Malaysian Airlines tragedy. This latest court ruling reinforces earlier findings and adds pressure on Russia to address its alleged actions in these aviation disasters.

The court's decision underscores ongoing international scrutiny over Russia's role in aviation incidents. As investigations continue, affected families seek justice and accountability for their losses amidst geopolitical complexities.