Netherlands Proposes Investigation of MH17 through International Tribunal

The government of the Netherlands is discussing with its allies the possibility of creating an international tribunal to prosecute those suspected of downing a Malaysian airliner over rebel-held eastern Ukraine last year.

According to the channel Rain, with reference to Reuters, the legal and political aspects of the case can interfere with the investigation and bringing those responsible to justice. Therefore, the possibility of creating a tribunal under the auspices of the United Nations is being discussed after the Netherlands finishes their investigation and releases the results in October.

A senior representative of the Dutch government told Reuters that a UN tribunal would be the best way out of the situation, because it “will provide the greatest chance of cooperation from all countries involved.”

The agency noted that, given the complications of its current relationship with the West, Russia is unlikely to cooperate with the Tribunal if it is carried out under Dutch jurisdiction. However, if a request to form the tribunal is sent to the UN Security Council, Russian authorities will have to either cooperate or use their veto, which could lead to charges of obstructing the investigation of a massive loss of life. Dutch authorities hope that the tribunal would be held on their territory.

On July 17th last year, a Malaysian Airlines aircraft en route to Amsterdam from Kuala Lumpur crashed near in territory held by the “DNR.” The militants deny any involvement in the crash. According to one version of events, the plane was hit by an anti-aircraft missile from a “Buk” weapon system. 283 passengers and 15 crew members were on board, none of whom survived. Most of the victims were citizens of the Netherlands.