‘MH17 trial could be conducted either in Malaysia or ICJ’

In this July 22, 2014 photo, a pro-Russian rebel looks at the MH17 wreckage at the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine.

The trial of those responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July over Ukraine could be conducted either here or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, a top minister has said.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is in the midst of determining the best way to obtain justice over the downing of the plane.

“We are now a member of the international criminal investigation committee which should help us get to the bottom of this. (We have good) diplomatic relations with the relevant stakeholders such as the Netherlands and Ukraine,” he said.

Mr. Hishammuddin said the Russian Ambassador to Malaysia had assured him about Moscow’s commitment to a fair and transparent investigation.

“They (Russia) too, want closure and to find the culprit of the MH17 shooting. This confirmation can help balance the geopolitical turmoil that is currently ongoing between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.

All 298 people on board were killed in the accident.

Mr. Hishammuddin said the missile used to target flight MH17 on July 17 over rebel held eastern Ukraine was without a doubt a surface-to-air BUK missile, and not an air-to-air missile as suggested by certain quarters.

“But this technology is also privy to the Ukrainians, so it’s best not to point fingers now. At this point of time, black box recordings and shrapnel from the missile are being scrutinised,” he added.