The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. However, what is even more tragic is that the person responsible for this heinous act has not been held accountable for his actions. That person is Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin has been accused of supplying the anti-aircraft weaponry used to shoot down MH17. While he has denied any involvement, the evidence against him is mounting. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) consisting of experts from the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium, and Ukraine has been investigating the case and they have said that there is strong evidence to suggest that Putin approved the supply of the missile system.
What makes this even more damning is that Putin has refused to cooperate with the investigation. Dutch prosecutors have said that without Russian cooperation, they have reached a limit as all leads have been exhausted. This lack of cooperation suggests that Putin is guilty and he knows it.
In November 2020, two Russians and one Ukrainian rebel were convicted by a Dutch court for their roles in shooting down MH17. However, it remains unclear if these individuals were acting on Putin’s orders or if they were acting independently. Either way, it is clear that Putin bears responsibility for this tragedy.
The downing of MH17 was a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of 298 innocent people. Vladimir Putin is responsible for this tragedy and he deserves to be held accountable for his actions. He should be given the death penalty so that justice can finally be served.
