Latest news with #FlightMH17
The Star
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Many rulings, no smoking gun
'WE saw the take-off. We saw the trajectory. We saw the hit. We saw this airplane disappear from the radar screens. So there is really no mystery about where it came from and where these weapons have come from.' Famous words spoken by former US secretary of state John Kerry to explain the downing of Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014.
Canada Standard
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Statement by Global Affairs Canada on decision of International Civil Aviation Organization Council to hold Russia responsible for downing of Flight MH17
May 14, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: "Canada welcomes the recent decision of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council on the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on July 17, 2014. "The council has found that Russia is responsible for the downing of the aircraft and that Russia breached the obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under Article 3 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention. In the coming weeks, the council will consider what form of reparation is in order. "This historic decision-the first one made by the council on the merits of a legal dispute in the ICAO's history of almost 80 years-follows proceedings initiated in 2022 by Australia and the Netherlands against Russia in response to the tragedy of Flight MH17 being shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. "We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered. "Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives."
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Lonely Planet founder reveals 4 popular tourist destinations he'll never visit again and his reasons might surprise you
For someone who has built a life around exploring the farthest corners of the Earth, Tony Wheeler's passport is not just well-stamped — it is practically legendary. Since co-founding Lonely Planet with his wife Maureen in 1973, Tony has charted more terrain than most of us could dream of, from dusty backroads to buzzing capitals but after five decades of travel, the iconic globe-trotter has made a surprising admission: there are places he has no plans to return to — not anytime soon and in some cases, never. In a candid blog post titled 'I'm Not Going There Anymore', Tony does not mince words. Whether it is political chaos, ethical concerns or just plain burnout, these destinations — some wildly popular — have lost their shine for him. Here's where he's drawing the line and why. Tony has explored Russia multiple times, even riding the Trans-Siberian Railway back in 2013 but today? He's made up his mind. Russia's ongoing aggression, from the war in Ukraine to the infamous downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 — which killed 298 people including 27 Australians — has left him unwilling to support the country with his travel dollars and it is not just about borders and battles. 'There's the death in 2018 in Salisbury, England, of another innocent bystander, killed by a totally shambolic assassination attempt by more of Putin's silly boys,' Tony wrote, frustrated by what he sees as state-sponsored violence and impunity. For now, Russia — with all its architectural grandeur and cultural heft — is off the list. Tony's previous visit to Saudi Arabia in 2002 was filled with moments of discovery and warmth — he even fondly remembers his guide, Saeed Juman, who showed him around the southern city of Najran but in 2025, his perspective has shifted. Citing the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the mistreatment of East African domestic workers (as documented by the New York Times) and the shocking exotic pet trade that has led to cheetahs being smuggled from Africa into Saudi homes — only to be killed once they outgrow their cuteness — Tony says he cannot in good conscience go back. 'Who would be so stupid to think [cheetahs] might make good pets?' he wrote. 'Saudi Arabia? No thank you.' Bali has long been considered Southeast Asia's crown jewel and Tony Wheeler is the first to sing its praises. Great food, rich culture, lush landscapes. He even helped plant rice with local farmers back in 1999 while researching his book Rice Trails but one thing has driven him away: gridlock. 'The traffic is ridiculous,' he shared. 'Unless there's a very good reason to drag me there, I never want to go back.' Despite recently enjoying a travel writers' reunion on the island, Tony revealed the hours lost in traffic between Kuta and Ubud are enough to make Bali a 'no-go' until serious infrastructure changes are made. Tony has spent nearly a decade of his life living in the United States, from coast to coast. He has made it his mission to visit all 50 states and he is nearly there, with just Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi left but right now he has tapped out. 'With the orange one (AKA Liz Trump, or even Donald Trump to some people) and his associated scoundrels running the place,' Tony wrote he is in no rush to complete the checklist. Between political chaos, wild tariffs and what he calls America's growing alignment with authoritarian regimes, he is content to leave the USA at 'the bottom of [his] dance card.' That said, he did squeeze in a final trip in December 2025, road-tripping across Missouri to visit the graves of German settlers — anti-slavery Unionists — who were massacred during the Civil War. The experience was meaningful, but it did not change his mind. These decisions are not just about politics or logistics. Tony acknowledged a growing internal conflict: climate guilt. 'Recently I've been hearing from friends who have decided they're going to look after the world and not fly anywhere anymore,' he wrote. 'A bit late, I generally feel — if you'd made that resolution decades ago... I would treat that decision with much more respect.' Yet, despite the inner tug-of-war, Tony Wheeler is still on the move. He will continue to travel and continue to feel guilty about it because for all his critiques and boundaries, his passion for the world remains. It is just a little more selective now. He may be done with Russia and Bali (for now) but the globe is still spinning and Tony Wheeler is not slowing down completely. His honesty about changing travel values — political, ethical, environmental — might just be what the future of thoughtful travel looks like.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unanswered cry for justice and compassion a decade after MH17
In the echoing silence left by the shattering explosion that ripped through the skies over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, lies a wound that refuses to heal. What happened was that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down. It wasn't just a plane breaking apart; it was the tragic death of 298 innocent people. It was a cruel act that devastated families and made many countries feel deep sadness for a long time. Now, ten years on, the UN aviation agency, ICAO, has clearly stated Russia is the culprit for the MH17 atrocity. They found Australia and the Netherlands' claims valid, based on Russia violating the rule against using weapons on civilian planes. This decision gives renewed voice to the grief of victims' families, like Wan Yusuf Irfan Wan Amran, son of Captain Wan Amran Wan Hussin, whose powerful words are a passionate call for justice and compassion after such immense loss. Irfan's words paint a vivid picture of a life irrevocably altered. For a nine-year-old boy, July 17, 2014, became the day his worldnfractured, the day his father, a pillar of laughter, discipline, and quiet strength, was stolen by a senseless act of extermination. His simple yet profound statement, 'Over a decade has passed, yet not a day goes by without thoughts of him,' speaks volumes about the enduring pain that time cannot erase. It is a testament to the indelible mark left by a loved one, a constant reminder of what was so fiercely taken away. The ICAO's ruling, a long-awaited confirmation of what investigationsnhave painstakingly revealed, has reignited the fervent demand fornjustice. Irfan rightly asserts that MH17 was not just any plane; it was a symbol of national identity, 'our national carrier, carrying ourn people under the Malaysian flag.' The downing was an assault not only on individual lives but on the collective spirit of a nation. To have an international body pinpoint responsibility should be a pivotal moment, a catalyst for resolute action. To be responsible, in response, Malaysia must now lead a coalition of nations — the Netherlands, Australia, and others — to escalate accountability through international courts, leveraging the ICAO ruling to demand reparations and sanctions against those implicated. Simultaneously, diplomatic pressure at the UN, even in the face of veto threats, could amplify global condemnation and moral clarity. Yet, the disappointment in Irfan's voice is profound as he laments the perceived lack of 'resolve and compassion' from the authority. Malaysia's emotionally distant and mechanical response to the MH17 tragedy, devoid of basic compassion, distressingly reveals a deeper national unease. When a commercial aircraft carrying 298 souls was blasted out of the sky in a conflict not of their making, the world looked on in horror. Families across continents plunged into grief, while nations scrambled to assert moral clarity and demand justice. And yet, amid this storm of anguish and urgency, the official Malaysian reaction appeared curiously muted — more concerned with protocol than with pain, more focused on preserving diplomatic poise than acknowledging raw humannsuffering. What a shame! This aftermath desperately needed clear empathy, a voice for national grief, and leadership that could mourn while firmly seeking justice. The lack of this wasn't just a PR mistake; it showed a clear gap between the government and the people's emotions. In such a huge tragedy, silence and coldness felt wrong. Malaysia needed then, and every nation needs — not just good administration, but the courage to feel and show it when the world is watching. It speaks of a profound disconnect between the bureaucratic machinery and the raw, visceral pain of those who have suffered the ultimate loss. To be treated as a 'footnote in a long-forgotten chapter' is an acute indignity, a further wounding of already broken hearts. This demands immediate redress: the establishment of dedicated Family Liaison Units to provide personalized updates and mental health support, coupled with a parliamentary resolution formally acknowledging the families'suffering and affirming the state's duty to protect their dignity. The call for 'significant recognition' and a 'clear path toward justice' is not an unreasonable demand; it is a fundamental expectation of a system meant to protect and support its citizens, one that has, thus far, fallen short. Following in his father's aviation footsteps, Irfan's experience isnparticularly heartbreaking. The mentorship he was denied, seized away by both the Russian perpetrators and a system in Malaysia he believes failed to protect his father's memory, layers another profound personal tragedy onto this already devastating event. His father, who 'served Malaysia with pride,' deserves to have his sacrifice acknowledged and honored. To transform this grief into a legacy, Malaysia could establish the 'Captain Wan Amran Aviation Scholarship,' funding aspiring pilots in his name, while integrating MH17's lessons into school curricula to ensure future generations understand the human cost of geopolitical recklessness. The fact that his service and death 'have not been met with the respect and protection they deserve' is a painful truth that demands restoration. The plea for compensation, framed not merely as a financial obligation but as a 'national duty and a symbol of dignity,' underlines the need for a response that transcends mere legalities. It is about acknowledging the sincere value of the lives lost and offering a tangible symbol of the nation's commitment to its bereaved families. A state-funded compensation program, including educational grants and healthcare support, must be established, not as charity, but as a moral imperative. Concurrently, Malaysia should spearhead multilateral negotiations to hold Russia financially accountable, mounting reparations as a non-negotiable component of justice. The sentiment that families should not have to 'chase what is rightfully theirs' speaks to a desire for proactive empathy and support, a recognition of their ongoing suffering. In his heartfelt conclusion, Irfan's words echo with a profound human yearning: 'We do not ask for pity. We ask for justice. We ask for memory. We ask for compassion. We ask to be seen.' This is not a plea for special treatment but a fundamental request for their suffering to be acknowledged, for the memory of their loved ones to be honored, and for the pursuit of justice to be carried out with genuine compassion. To answer this call, Malaysia must erect a national MH17 memorial — a sacred space for collective mourning — and designate July 17 as a day of remembrance, ensuring the tragedy remains etched in the nation's consciousness. Leaders must also meet privately with families, offering not just apologies for past bureaucratic failures, but a pledge to center their voices on all future actions. The ICAO's ruling provides a crucial foundation for moving forward. Indeed, it is a validation of the truth that families have long known and a step towards holding those responsible accountable. However, the impassioned words of the pilot's son serve as a strong reminder that justice is not merely a legal outcome; it requires a human touch, a demonstration of empathy, and an unwavering commitment to remembering the lives that were so tragically lost. Malaysia's response must transcend symbolism: by partnering with ICAO to reform conflict-zone flight protocols, it can ensure MH17 catalyzes systemic change, preventing future atrocities. Transparency through ublic progress reports and family inclusion in diplomatic delegations will further bridge the gap between policy and humanity. The world must not allow MH17 to become a footnote. It must remain a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring need for justice and compassion in its wake. Through legal rigor, cultural remembrance, and unrelenting empathy, Malaysia can transform this tragedy into a testament of resilience — one where Wan Yusuf Irfan's cry for justice becomes a chorus answered by a nation that refuses to forget.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
M'sia stands firm on justice for MH17 victims and kin
KAZAN: Malaysia remains firm in its position to seek justice and resolution, particularly for the families and victims of the MH17 tragedy, says the Prime Minister's political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He said Malaysia must also act wisely in handling the issue. Muhammad Kamil said the fact that the latest report by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which found Russia responsible for downing Flight MH17, was released a day before Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Moscow must be taken into account. 'As the Prime Minister mentioned, this matter should not be politicised. At this point, what matters most is how we can find ways and means to resolve the crisis or issue that has arisen,' he told Malaysian media yesterday. He noted that there had been calls for the Prime Minister to take a firm stand on the MH17 tragedy. 'In a closed-door meeting with President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister directly raised this issue,' he added. On Tuesday, the United Nation aviation council ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine that killed all 298 passengers and crew, including 196 Dutch citizens and 38 Australian citizens or residents. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, was shot down over eastern Ukraine amid intense fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. On another matter, Muhammad Kamil described the first segment of the Prime Minister's official visit to Russia as highly fruitful, with potential trade and investments of between US$5bil (RM21bil) and US$10bil (RM43bil). During the visit to Moscow, Anwar also held meetings with industry players, with the halal industry as one of the sectors in focus, Muhammad Kamil said. Moscow, which is the capital and the largest city of Russia, has a population of over 13 million people, and between 1.5 million and two million of them are Muslims. 'We see great potential for the next five years. If all goes well, we could see potential trade and investments between Malaysia and Russia,' Muhammad Kamil said.
