Toronto, Canada, along with Sweden, Ukraine, and Britain, has jointly filed a complaint with the United Nations civil aviation agency against Iran over the 2020 plane crash that resulted in the deaths of 176 individuals.
On January 8, 2020, a Ukraine International Airlines flight, predominantly carrying Canadian and Iranian passengers, tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran. The devastating incident claimed the lives of all 176 people on board, sparking profound grief and immediate questions about the cause of the crash.
Just three days after the tragedy, Iran shocked the international community by admitting that its military had mistakenly targeted the Boeing 737-800 with two surface-to-air missiles. This admission came amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, revealing a grave error that had taken place.
In response, the affected nations, four years after the tragic event, took a decisive step by lodging a complaint with the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal. The joint statement accused Iran of violating its international legal obligations by using weapons against a civil aircraft in flight.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the significance of the filing as a commitment to justice for the grieving families. The move was deemed crucial in holding Iran accountable for its actions and providing closure to those who have been seeking answers for four years.
Despite numerous attempts to engage in negotiations, Iran has been reluctant to fully accept legal responsibility for the downing of Flight PS752. This has left the affected nations with no choice but to escalate the matter through international channels.
In July of the same year, the four nations appealed their case to the International Court of Justice, seeking reparations from Iran for the victims’ families. The appeal signifies their determination to pursue justice through legal avenues and holds the potential for international ramifications.
The joint complaint filed by Canada, Sweden, Ukraine, and Britain at the ICAO against Iran is a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2020 plane crash. As the dispute settlement proceedings unfold, the international community will closely watch how the case progresses and whether Iran accepts responsibility for its tragic mistake.