MH17 Verdict: A Step Toward Justice, But Still No Accountability from Russia
It’s been more than a decade since Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was tragically shot down while flying over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. And yet, for the families of the 298 people on board, including 38 Australians, closure still feels painfully out of reach. Jack O'Brien was one of those Australians. A 25-year-old from Sydney, Jack was just wrapping up a once-in-a-lifetime European trip, full of joy and plans for the future. He was heading home, ready to return to football and prepare for the next stage of his life—possibly moving out of the family home. But that life was cut short in an instant when a Russian-supplied missile downed MH17.
His mother, Meryn O'Brien, recently spoke out after a major ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The court, in a historic and unanimous decision, found Russia responsible for the attack. It ruled that Russian forces supplied the missile and failed to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian deaths, violating international human rights laws. Yet, for Meryn and countless other grieving families, this ruling, while meaningful, is bittersweet.
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"We already knew the truth. The world knew the truth," she said. "But this was another step in truth-telling." Her voice, laced with the weight of irreparable loss, revealed a deep skepticism: that Russia may never acknowledge responsibility in her lifetime. And she may be right. Despite mounting international legal pressure and convictions of key figures in absentia, Russia continues to deny any role in the tragedy. They’ve offered no apology, no reparations, and no cooperation in bringing justice to the victims.
What stands out, though, is the humanity in Meryn's words. She differentiates between the Russian state and its people, sharing that many Russians have expressed sorrow and shame over what happened. That empathy, she believes, should not be lost in the political noise.
As Australia and the Netherlands call for reparations and accountability, this court ruling is an important legal milestone. But it also serves as a reminder: justice on paper is not justice felt. The families still live with a void—a son who never came home, a future stolen mid-flight. And as war continues in Ukraine, the pain of that day is compounded daily, reinforcing the tragedy’s relevance in today’s world.
Ultimately, this moment is not just about international law or politics—it’s about remembering the lives lost and holding onto the hope that truth, accountability, and peace can one day intersect. Until then, families like the O’Briens carry the weight of absence, armed with dignity, love, and an unyielding demand for justice.
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