Protestors demanding justice for downed UIA flight dispersed by Iranian security forces
Iranian security officials dispersed family members of the victims of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS75, who gathered outside the UN office in Tehran on Feb. 3 to demand justice from the Iranian government for obstructing the investigation, the Voice of America reported on Feb. 4.
The plane was shot down by Iran in 2020.
The protesters requested a meeting with Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, but instead were threatened and intimidated by plainclothes security agents and security forces.
Read also: Ukraine and partners appeal to ICAO over Flight PS752
The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 flight from Tehran to Kyiv was shot down on Jan. 8, 2020, shortly after departing from the Iranian capital.
All 176 people on board died, including 11 Ukrainians, with most victims being citizens of Iran and Canada.
Four days after the disaster, Iranian authorities officially acknowledged that their military downed the flight, having mistakenly identified it as a hostile target.
Iran insists that the air disaster occurred because of a defense system operator's error, not by the order of the country's military leadership. Ukraine disagrees with this position and demands access to the investigation and monetary compensation.
In April 2023, an Iranian court announced it had sentenced 10 Iranian servicemen, accused of involvement in the air disaster, to prison terms. The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 has labeled the trial as fictitious and non-transparent.
On Jan. 8, Ukraine, the UK, Sweden, and Canada have lodged a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) against Iran regarding the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 near Tehran in 2020.
Read also: Top Ukrainian official accuses Iran of terrorist act in downing UIA Flight PS752
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
