Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 trial

March 7, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the start of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 trial in the Netherlands:

“Canada welcomes the start of the criminal trial of four suspects charged with the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on July 17, 2014.

“This is an important milestone in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the 298 victims of this horrific act, which included one Canadian, as well as for their families and loved ones.

“Canada expresses full confidence in the independence and professionalism of the international investigation and the Dutch legal system.

“We continue to call on all states, including Russia, to cooperate fully with the Joint Investigation Team’s [JIT’s] ongoing criminal investigation, consistent with the call for accountability and cooperation unanimously adopted in UN Security Council Resolution 2166.

“Canada again commends the JIT for its tireless work in pursuit of accountability for these crimes.”