MH17 survivors view Schiphol security cams of those killed on flight; Last known images
Relatives of MH17 victims will be allowed to view Schiphol security camera footage of their loved ones checking in for the Malaysia Airlines flight - the last footage recorded of the victims, the Ministry of Security and Justice decided. When and how this viewing will happen is still being considered, AD reports.
The footage shows MH17 crew members and passengers checking in for their flight to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on July 17th, 2014. The flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine later that day. All 298 people on board were killed, including 196 Dutch. The footage was recorded by 34 surveillance cameras in Schiphol's departure hall and lounge.
The recordings are in the Public Prosecutor's possession. While the footage has no interest to the criminal investigation into what happened, it was stored due to the sentimental value it has for for survivors.
The foundation Vliegramp MH17 has been talking to the Public Prosecutor about releasing the footage for years. In February last year the Public Prosecutor decided against doing so. According to the judiciary, reviewing all Schiphol's recordings to see whether the person recorded was an MH17 victim, was 'unnecessary work', AD reports. The Minister of Security and Justice has the power to decide differently, and apparently the current minister Stef Blok did so.