Press release

Flight MH17 trial verdict: Foreign Secretary’s statement

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly gave a statement following the conclusion of the flight MH17 trial, in which 3 people were found guilty of murder.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Today’s guilty verdict, convicting 3 individuals of murder in relation to the downing of MH17, is an important step in securing justice for the families of the victims.

Two hundred and ninety eight lives, including those of 10 British nationals, were tragically lost on 17 July 2014. Thousands more have been devastated in the years since, as family and friends continue to grieve for their loved ones.

The downing of MH17 was a shocking violation of international norms which keep our societies safe. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s actions in Ukraine over many years.

My thoughts remain with the families of all those killed in this heinous attack, including people from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Belgium, Germany, the Philippines, New Zealand and Canada.

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Updates to this page

Published 17 November 2022