OTAWA, Canada – In response to the tragic 2020 plane crash in Iran, Canada, Sweden, Ukraine, and Britain have come together in a joint effort to seek justice for the 176 individuals who lost their lives. The crash, involving a Ukraine International Airlines flight, claimed the lives of men, women, and children from several different countries, sparking international mourning and questions about the cause of the incident.
Iran shocked the world by admitting that its military had mistakenly targeted the Boeing 737-800 with two surface-to-air missiles, a particularly troubling revelation given the heightened tensions between Iran and the United States at the time. In the aftermath of this admission, the affected nations took a decisive step by lodging a complaint with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, accusing Iran of breaching its international legal obligations.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the significance of seeking justice through legal channels, underscoring the importance of holding Iran accountable for its actions and providing closure to the grieving families who have been seeking answers for four long years. The joint statement filed by the four nations at the ICAO marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the tragic plane crash, with the potential for international ramifications.
In July of the same year, the four nations appealed their case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking reparations from Iran for the victims’ families. This move demonstrates a determination to pursue justice through legal avenues, and it will be closely watched by the international community as the dispute settlement proceedings unfold. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether Iran will accept full legal responsibility for the downing of Flight PS752.