Introduction

On July 17, 2014, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew members. In the aftermath of this tragedy, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the crash. However, in the years since, the investigation has been repeatedly suspended due to unstable geopolitical conditions in the region. This article will provide an update on the MH17 investigation and examine the ongoing quest for closure in this air disaster.

MH17 Investigation Suspended

The MH17 investigation has been suspended multiple times since it first began in 2014. In April 2016, the Dutch Safety Board (DSB) suspended the investigation due to the ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region. The DSB announced that it would resume the investigation when it had “sufficient access to the crash site”.

In April 2019, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) – a group of investigators from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine – announced that it had suspended the investigation until “further notice” due to security threats in the Donetsk region. However, the JIT continues to provide support to victims’ families and pursue legal proceedings against Russia for its alleged involvement in the crash.

Latest Developments in Tragedy

In response to the suspension of the MH17 investigation, the Netherlands and Australia issued a joint statement in May 2019 condemning Russia’s refusal to cooperate with the JIT and its attempts to “obscure the truth”. The statement called on Russia to accept its responsibility and provide reparations to the families of the victims.

In July 2019, the two countries filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation at the European Court of Human Rights. In the lawsuit, the Netherlands and Australia “asserted the responsibility of the Russian Federation for its role in the downing of MH17”.

Searching for Closure in Air Disaster

In the aftermath of the MH17 tragedy, victims’ families have been searching for answers and closure. Unfortunately, the ongoing suspension of the investigation has only made this search more difficult.

In April 2018, the JIT launched a website containing information about the investigation and its findings. The website serves as a resource for victims’ families, providing updates on the investigation and offering a place to share memories of those lost in the crash.

The JIT has also established a Victims’ Assistance program to provide support and assistance to victims’ families. The program offers psychological and legal services, as well as financial support.

Conclusion

The MH17 investigation has been suspended multiple times due to the unstable geopolitical conditions in the region. In the years since the crash, the Netherlands and Australia have taken legal action against Russia, and victims’ families have been searching for answers and closure. While the investigation has been suspended, victims’ families continue to receive support and assistance from the JIT’s Victim Assistance program. It is hoped that with continued efforts, the truth about MH17 will eventually be revealed.