DISINFO: Many weaknesses in the MH17 verdict because Russian experts were excluded
SUMMARY
The investigation into the MH17 crash was conducted according to one possible scenario, although there are several possible ones. The results came out exactly according to a scenario that is beneficial to the Ukrainian side; the joint investigation team included representatives of the Ukrainian side, while Russian crime experts and other specialists were excluded, which is exactly why there are so many weaknesses, gaps and hidden facts in the verdict.
RESPONSE
Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation about downing of flight MH17 and attempt to discredit the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) and the criminal trial.
The verdict of the court published on 17 November 2022 was based on strong pieces of evidence and alternative scenarios were evaluated excluded based on the evidence.
The Court in its ruling stated that there is no doubt that the MH17 was hit by a Buk missile fired from a farm field near Pervomaiskyi in Ukraine. This field was located in separatist-controlled territory. "This is clear from photographs of a smoke trail in the sky, statements by a protected witness, satellite images, intercepted telephone conversations and transmission mast data, photographs and videos of a Buk TELAR being brought in and removed, and examination of fragments in the remains of a crew member and in the truss and the groove of the aircraft. Investigation in the Netherlands and abroad has not revealed any traces of evidence tampering. Alternative scenarios, for example that the Buk missile was fired from a different area, are ruled out based on the evidence," stated in the final verdict.
EU HRVP Josep Borrell called the verdict "an important first step on the path of truth and accountability." He also stressed that the "EU reiterates its call on Russia to accept its responsibility in this tragedy and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations."
See here and here for further debunking by Bellingcat and Polygraph.info, respectively and our interview with the Dutch Safety Board, tasked with investigating the cause of the crash of MH17.
Read more disinformation cases about the downing of the flight MH17.