MH17 SUSPECTS TO BE TRIED IN NETHERLANDS
The countries in the JIT have agreed to have trials within Dutch legal system
PUTRAJAYA
MALAYSIA has agreed that the prosecution of those responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine in 2014 will be done in the Netherlands.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia, together with its Joint Investigation Team (JIT) partners, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ukraine and Australia, had agreed that the prosecution should take place in the Netherlands to ensure accountability in compliance with the highest international standards.
“The trial will take place within the framework of Dutch criminal justice proceedings, on the basis of tried and tested substantive and procedural criminal law,” he said yesterday.
Liow said the Dutch Public Prosecution Service would make the necessary decisions concerning prosecution at the appropriate time, given that the criminal investigation was still ongoing.
He said the Dutch legal system granted considerable rights to the next of kin to observe and participate in the proceedings.
Liow said the Netherlands maintained a joint legal framework with many countries for legal assistance and extradition, based on multilateral and bilateral treaties.
The cooperation between the investigative authorities would also continue in the prosecution phase, he said.
“With this milestone, Malaysia is ever more resolute to seek justice. Malaysia remains singleminded in our pursuit to prosecute those who are responsible for this unfortunate tragedy.
“It is too premature to speculate on the outcome of the criminal investigation.” Bernama