A majority of them – 196 – were Dutch nationals. The others were citizens of several other nations including Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Families of the victims will attend the memorial service along with ministers from Australia, Ukraine and Belgium. These countries were part of the joint investigation team.
The Netherlands’ newly-elected Prime Minister Dick Schoof will deliver a speech, while King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will grace the events to offer prayers and lend their support to the families.
Several next-of-kin of the Dutch victims have expressed worry that they will not see justice in their lifetimes due to their old age.
THIS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN, SAYS DUTCH PROSECUTOR
But on Monday, head of the joint investigation team and former chief public prosecutor Digna van Boetzelaer urged all sides not to be discouraged, adding that the Dutch justice system was in no hurry and that justice will prevail.
“What I’m sure of is that this will not be forgotten. And it’s not only me – it’s in the institute, it’s in our DNA, and there will always be somebody who will continue to give it attention,” she told reporters.
“And we also said that whenever there will be somebody in Russia who’s willing to give us the last pieces of evidence, we will be ready to go on.”
She added that they are investigating other individuals, like the crew who transported the BUK missile launcher, but evidence is not conclusive and they are unable to prosecute without putting peoples’ lives in danger.
As for the suspects that were convicted and sentenced in absentia, Ms van Boetzelaer said that they are believed to be in Russia which will not extradite them.
An Interpol red notice has been issued for their immediate arrests if they travel outside Russia-controlled territories. They will then be brought to Amsterdam to face justice.