The families of the Australian Flight MH17 victims found some solace in the overnight conviction of three people in the plane crash, but said their families would never return.
A Dutch court has convicted two Russians and one Ukrainian separatist of killing 298 people, including 38 Australians, when they shot down Flight 17 in 2014.
None of the defendants, however, turned up and are unlikely to serve the life sentence handed down by the court.
The victim’s mother, Merrin O’Brien, said she was relieved that her son wanted to know the truth.
“I’m sad too,” she said Said ABC news. “Because for all of us, it doesn’t change anything.”
Although the verdict brought some justice, O’Brien said it was “full justice” to get his family back on his feet.
Matthew Horder, whose parents were killed when the plane crashed, said having the court confirm that passengers were “deliberately murdered” is critical to the survival of loved ones.
“We know the three convicted people are unlikely to be in jail, but we knew it from the beginning,” he said.
Australia Demands Russia ‘Extra’ Convicted Persons
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he had given the family some comfort but had “mixed feelings” as Russia was unlikely to “hand them over”.
“So it’s really an important step forward that this court has found where the accountability lies and the convictions have been made,” he said. Said ABC news.
“But apparently these three were tried in absentia.
“So I think it leaves a feeling that there’s unfinished business here.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called on Russia to surrender those convicted and face court sentences for their “heinous crimes”.
“[The verdicts] I confirm that the Russian Federation is responsible,” she said. Said Reporter.
Senator Simon Birmingham, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the verdict was welcome but difficult for the families of the victims.
“I hope the results of the exam will give you some comfort,” he said. Said.
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Rebecca Zhu is based in Sydney. She focuses on the national politics of Australia and New Zealand. Any tips? Please contact her at [email protected]