Information Note on the Court’s case-law 228

April 2019

Ayley and Others v. Russia (communicated case) - 25714/16 and 56328/18

Article 2

Article 2-1

Effective investigation

Alleged responsibility of Russia in the downing of a plane over eastern Ukraine and alleged lack of effective investigation: communicated

In July 2014 there was intense fighting between the forces of the government of Ukraine and separatist f orces in eastern Ukraine. On 17 July 2014 Malaysia Airlines commercial flight MH17 disintegrated in the air over the territory of eastern Ukraine. All persons on board died.

The 380 applicants are relatives of persons who were on that plane. According to t hem, the separatist entities in eastern Ukraine were either under the control of the authorities of the Russian Federation or operated in very close cooperation with them.

Although Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the destruction of the air craft, the applicants allege, in particular, that the Russian Federation was responsible for the destruction of the plane and for their relatives’ deaths, either directly or indirectly, and failed to investigate the disaster properly or to cooperate with o ther international investigations.

Communicated under Article 2 (substantive and procedural aspects) and under Articles 3, 8 and 13 of the Convention.

© Council of Europe/European Court of Human Rights This summary by the Registry does not bind the Court.

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