MH17 Vctims' families sue Russia

Unpublished
KUALA LUMPUR - Families of victims of downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 are suing Russia and its President Vladimir Putin in the European Court of Human Rights. The jet was shot down by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 on board. The West and Ukraine say Russian-backed rebels were responsible but Russia accuses Ukrainian forces. The families' claim is based on the violation of a passenger's right to life, News.com.au reported. The claim is for 10 million Australian dollars ($7.2m; £4.9m) for each victim, and the lawsuit names both the Russian state and its president as respondents. Jerry Skinner, a US-based aviation lawyer leading the case, told News.com.au it was difficult for the families to live with, knowing it was "a crime". "The Russians don't have any facts for blaming Ukraine, We have facts, photographs, memorandums, tonnes of stuff." Mr Skinner said they were waiting to hear from the ECHR whether the case had been accepted. The Kremlin said it was unaware of the claim, the Interfax news agency reported, but a senator with Mr Putin's party is quoted in state media as saying it was "legally nonsensical and has no chance".(FA)

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