Families of Aussie MH17 victims demand Russia ‘stop lying’ on fifth anniversary of crash

Families of Aussies who died when flight MH17 was shot down have protested in Sydney, demanding an end to Russia’s “disingenuous denials, deceit and lies” on the fifth anniversary of the incident.

Families of Australian victims of the MH17 tragedy have demanded Russia stop its “denials and lies” five years after the Malaysia Airlines flight was shot down over Ukraine.

Several families protested outside the Russian Consulate in Sydney on Wednesday, five years to the day since 38 Australians were among the 298 people shot out of the sky in territory held by pro-Russian separatists.

They read out a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly denied his country’s involvement, demanding an end to its “disingenuous denials, deceit and lies” over the incident.

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Tags with the names of all 298 passengers who lost their lives onboard MH17 hung between trees out the front of the Russian Consulate in Sydney today. Picture: AAP

“I just ask them to stop playing games and behave like adults,” Jane Malcolm, who lost her mother Carol Clancy and stepfather Michael Clancy, told Sky News. “We don’t deserve what we’ve been put through for the last five years, because nobody does.

“I would be happier if they picked a lie and stuck to it rather than the constant changing stories.”

Merryn O’Brien, whose son Jack was killed, said the sudden and violent deaths of their loved ones still pervades the families’ lives.

“We are different people now, we live with our loss the best we can,” she told the protesters.

Jane Malcolm, who lost her mother Carol Clancy and stepfather Michael in the crash, said Russia needed to “stop playing games” over the disaster. Picture: Toby Zerna

The Australian government also remains committed to bringing justice for the families.

Acting foreign minister Simon Birmingham said Australia was pleased the Dutch-led international investigation team charged three Russians and a Ukrainian in June over the disaster.

“Today, though, we mourn, we reflect, we remember and we recommit to ensure that justice is seen and delivered,” he told reporters.

“We will continue the fight to make sure that those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice.

“We will ensure that the memories of those lives lost and the pain of those families left in anguish is reflected through continued action.”

The MH17 crash site pictured in 2014. Picture: AFP

Australia is supporting the Dutch prosecution and has set aside more than $50 million for it, including to make sure Australian families can access the proceedings and have translation services available.

Senator Birmingham urged all authorities around the world to cooperate in allowing the prosecution to proceed and be successful.

Originally published as Families of Aussie MH17 victims demand Russia ‘stop lying’ on fifth anniversary of crash