Didier Reynders satisfied with the progress of investigation behind downing of flight MH17 in Ukraine
On June 19th, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), who is conducting a criminal investigation into the case, made public the names of four suspects allegedly involved in the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014. This tragic incident, almost 5 years ago, cost the lives of 298 people, including several compatriots. The Dutch judicial authorities also announced that the trial of these suspects will begin in the Netherlands in March 2020 and that the investigation will proceed in the meantime.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders reiterates his full confidence in the future conduct of the investigation and in the Dutch judicial system.
The identification of a number of suspects does not close the investigation. The Minister continues to call upon all countries to cooperate with the investigation, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2166 (2014), so that all those responsible can be brought to justice.
Together with the other countries that are part of the JIT, Belgium will pursue its efforts to bring all facts to light so as to ensure that justice is done independently, fairly and transparently for the victims and their families.
Didier Reynders stresses that the Federal judiciary police in Antwerp, the Royal Military School, and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office made a major contribution to this investigation.
