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Lawyer: Russian suspect denies involvement in downing MH17
Read full article: Lawyer: Russian suspect denies involvement in downing MH17Prosecutors say the plane was shot down by a Buk missile fired from territory in conflict-hit Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia rebels. They alleged the missile was trucked into Ukraine from a Russian base and the launcher was sent back after the plane was shot down. “Our client has told us that he was not engaged in ordering, guarding, transporting and hiding of a Buk missile ... instructing the crew thereof, firing or ordering to fire a Buk missile and/or downing MH17," Ten Doesschate said. She added that Pulatov "does not have personal knowledge of how and why MH17 was downed. After a years-long international investigation, prosecutors last year named four suspects in the downing of flight MH17: Russians Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko.
Defense lawyers in MH17 plane trial seek more investigations
Read full article: Defense lawyers in MH17 plane trial seek more investigationsIn a move that could significantly delay the trial, Dutch lawyers representing Russian suspect Oleg Pulatov asked for clarifications and translations of evidence already produced by prosecutors and more investigations, including questioning more than 100 witnesses. She said lawyers have not been able to visit Pulatov because of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. After years of investigations by an international team, prosecutors last year named four suspects: Russians Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko. None of them have appeared for their trial, which started in March and is still at a preliminary stage. Presiding Judge Hendrik Steenhuis adjourned the case until Friday, when judges are expected to rule on the defense requests.
Lawyer: Coronavirus restrictions hamper MH17 defense case
Read full article: Lawyer: Coronavirus restrictions hamper MH17 defense case(AP Photo/Robin van Lonkhuijsen, POOL)SCHIPHOL SCHIPHOL, NetherlandsA defense lawyer for a suspect in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine nearly six years ago said Monday that coronavirus restrictions have seriously hampered efforts to prepare the case. She said that meant defense lawyers are not yet ready to make preliminary objections such as challenging the Dutch court's jurisdiction in the case. Judges and prosecutors did not immediately respond to the defense claims, which could lead to long delays in the trial that began on March 9. Coronavirus social distancing measures were in place in the courtroom, with judges and prosecutors separated from one another by glass screens. Russia has consistently denied any involvement in the downing of the flight known as MH17 and has criticized the international investigation.