Sjoerdsma today responds to the presentation of the findings of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which is investigating the circumstances of the MH17 disaster. Due to the lack of evidence for criminal prosecution, the ongoing investigation into those involved in the downing of MH17 has been temporarily halted.
“It is clear that Russia under Putin can never again be a cooperation partner,” says Sjoerdsma. “We must draw a line now that Putin’s involvement in MH17 has been demonstrated and his war against Ukraine continues. The Russian ambassador must therefore be expelled from the country. I call on the cabinet to take this step and also ask other European countries to do so. doing.”
VVD party leader Sophie Hermans is also impressed by the JIT’s findings. “The new information about Russia’s direct involvement is again shocking. It is important that the cabinet continues to address Russia strongly about this,” she responds.
PvdA MP Kati Piri wants Putin to be held accountable internationally. “Putin himself seems to have given permission for the deployment of a BUK missile. The international community must find a way to hold him accountable for this,” Piri tweets.
Rutte calls it bitter
Prime Minister Rutte responded on Twitter. He called it “bitter” that there is currently insufficient evidence to once again prosecute people for their role in the downing of flight MH17, but “let me be very clear: we will not let go”. The Netherlands will continue to hold Russia accountable for its responsibility, the prime minister said in a statement.
Rutte understands that relatives of the 298 victims (including 196 Dutch) are disappointed with the decision to shut down the case. “I understand that for many relatives this decision is not what they had hoped for.” But it is not the end of the criminal process, according to the prime minister. “This will be taken up again with relevant developments.”
Last November three people were sentenced to life imprisonment for their role in this case, a fourth was acquitted. According to the JIT, the Buk system used to down the Malaysia Airlines plane came from a Russian military base near Kursk. Permission for this probably came from the top of the Kremlin.
