Today, Explained Ukraine International Flight 752
Jan 16, 2020
Justin Ling, a Toronto-based freelance journalist, dives deep into the tragic story of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. He examines the heartbreaking details of the crash amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the diverse backgrounds of its passengers. Ling discusses Iran's contradictory responses, from initial denial to eventual acknowledgment of responsibility. He also explores the historical context of civilian airliner shootdowns and the emotional toll on affected families, particularly in Canada, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice.
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USS Vincennes Incident
- In 1988, the USS Vincennes shot down an Iranian airliner, killing all on board.
- The US military initially blamed the aircraft, claiming it was operating on a military frequency and descending rapidly.
Deflecting Blame
- Countries involved in accidental shootdowns often deflect blame by manipulating available information.
- Later investigations often reveal initial claims to be false, as seen with the USS Vincennes incident.
US Settlement
- The US settled with Iran for $131 million for the USS Vincennes incident but never formally apologized.
- This established a legal precedent and framework for handling similar incidents but left Iran feeling unsatisfied.