Empty chairs for MH17 victims outside Russia's Hague Embassy
WORLD NEWS MARCH 8, 2020 / 11:29 AM / UPDATED 19 MINUTES AGO
Toby Sterling
3 MIN READ
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Rows of white chairs were placed in front of Russia’s embassy in The Hague on Sunday in a quiet protest by families of those who were shot down with Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, on the eve of the trial - in absentia - of four men accused of murder for their involvement.
MH17 was downed over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine in July 2014, by what international investigators say was a Russian missile sent to help Moscow-backed rebels fight Ukrainian government forces. All 298 people aboard died, including 196 Dutch citizens.
Russia, which has been held politically responsible by the Netherlands and Australia, denies any involvement.
“This is for me a very beautiful symbol for 298 people who perished. They are gone. My brother never returned,” said Piet Ploeg, whose older brother Alex died in the crash.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-mh17-protest/empty-chairs-for-mh17-victims-outside-russias-hague-embassy-idUSKBN20V0QR?il=0