Netherlands wants int'l tribunal to handle MH17 hearings

The Netherlands thinks that a UN-style tribunal is the best option for prosecuting those suspected of being responsible for the MH17 disaster, British news agency Reuters reports based on two anonymous sources close to the discussion. The two Dutch sources told the news agency that, due to the political and legal complexities of the case, creating an international court backed by the United Nations Security Council seems to be the best way to proceed. "A UN tribunal is the best option. We expect that it will provide the greatest chance of cooperation from all countries involved." another source, a high ranking Dutch government official, told Reuters. Other legal options are also being considered, but an international tribunal is considered to have the greatest chance of success. Due to the strained relations between Russia and the West, Moscow may resist cooperating with a trial held in the West. But as the tribunal would have UN backing, the country would be forced to either cooperate or be seen as the main obstacle to justice in a mass killing of civilians. If Russia refuses to cooperate, the Netherlands could push form more economic sanctions against the country. This tribunal will likely be formed once the investigation has been completed and suspects have been named. The investigation is still ongoing. The prosecutors are unlikely to issue indictments before the Dutch Safety Board releases its report detailing what happened to the plane. This report is expected in October. Experts from the National Police and Defense are currently in the Ukraine on a mission aimed at gathering evidence to support or eliminate various scenarios.