May 24, 2018
The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed the findings of an international investigative team that announced Thursday it had unequivocal evidence that a Russian-made missile shot down a Malaysian Airlines jet over eastern Ukraine four years ago, killing all 298 people aboard.
Russia rejects claim its missile downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
The Joint Investigative Team (JIT) said video and photos from social media along with an analysis of parts of the rocket found at the crash scene traced the rocket to an area of Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed rebels.
JIT said it was convinced the missile was fired by the 53rd anti aircraft missile brigade, a unit of the Russian army from Kursk in the Russian Federation. The findings support previous claims by Dutch prosecutors that the Boeing 777, bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Amsterdam, was shot down with a mobile launcher that had been trucked in from Russia and was covertly returned there.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, however, questioned the impartiality of the investigation.
"I remind that all data presented… in the briefing of the investigation team had two main sources – the Internet and the Ukrainian special services," he said. "The impartiality of this data and consequently the conclusions made on its basis cannot help but cause doubts."
Konashenkov said no Russian missile launchers had ever been sent to the Ukraine to aid ethnic Russians in clashes over the disputed Crimea region, which Russia has annexed.
Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey also rejected the findings, insisting that its simulations place the suspected missile launch in an areas controlled by Ukrainian government forces during the time of the incident.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, however, lauded the "professional, independent work" of the Joint Investigative Team.
"As the UN Security Council concluded, those responsible must be held to account," he said. "Almost four years since this global tragedy, it is important that justice is served."
The team asked the public for help in identifying the individuals within the 53rd anti aircraft missile brigade who might have been involved in the missile strike.
"Who formed part of the crew? With which instruction did they set out? Who was responsible for the operational deployment?" said Dutch investigator Wilbert Paulissen. "Please do not keep that information to yourself but contact the JIT."
Prosecutors said they have presented their findings to Moscow and are seeking answers, but so far have not received a formal response. The international team running the criminal investigation appealed for help from witnesses who can testify about the involvement of the Russian military’s 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade based in the city of Kursk.
Dutch prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said the Joint Investigation Team is not yet ready to name suspects, but added: “I can say that we are now entering the … last phase of the investigation. "
Any suspects identified and charged will be prosecuted in Dutch courts – if they can be arrested and brought to trial. Of the 298 people killed, 196 were Dutch, 42 Malaysian and 27 were Australians. Among more than 30 nationalities killed was a joint Dutch-American citizen.
The investigative team includes members from Australia, Belgium, Ukraine, Malaysia and the Netherlands. Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok welcomed the newly released findings.
“This is an important piece of the puzzle,” Blok said. “I am very impressed by the evidence that has been collected.”
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SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest Winners Announced
Mar 19, 2024
Competition Receives a Record Number of Submissions that Highlight the Power of Innovation SHENZHEN, China, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyPixel, one of the world's most popular online communities for aerial photography and videography, today announces the winners of the SkyPixel 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest. Co-organized with DJI, this year's competition attracted over 130,000 submissions – a 100% increase from the previous year. The contest welcomed submissions from across the creator community, which includes professionals, aerial enthusiasts, and creative newcomers, showcasing their personal histories through the art of visual innovation. A Contest Shaped by You The SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest is a testament to the power of innovation led imagery, honoring stories that shape the art of image capture both on solid ground and amidst the clouds. SkyPixel has cultivated a community-driven platform that reflects the dreams and aspirations of creators worldwide, and the annual competition has been a conduit for people who love image creation to express themselves as it authentically reflects the desires and aspirations of creators worldwide. Industry-Leading Judges The 9th Annual Photo & Video Contest was assessed by a Judging Panel of incredible professionals in the industry. In photography, seasoned experts include Wen Huang, a World Press Photo judge and Senior Editor, and Anne Farrar, Assistant Photography Chief Editor at National Geographic, Nan Li, the Photo Director of Southern Weekly, and Daniel Kordan, a renowned landscape photographer. In the video category, the judges include Michael Fitzmaurice, the Aerial Director of Photography of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," and Xiaoshi Zhao, known for his award-winning work on "Forever Enthralled." Bing Xi, a prominent figure in the Chinese TVC industry, and celebrated filmmaker Brandon Li round out the panel. After careful deliberation, the panel proudly presents the final winners for the year. 9th Annual Best Work Prize – Video: "Haines Alaska Through the Eyes of Luke Bredar" by Luke Bredar This year's video judging panel, which includes award-winning Cinematographers and Directors of Photography, chose Luke Bredar's video, "Haines Alaska Through the Eyes of Luke Bredar." This short film mixes heart-pounding action shots of a skier racing down a snowy mountaintop landscapes with breathtaking shots of Alaska's mountainous, winter terrain. Luke Bredar details the thought process behind the short film, "The motivation behind creating this video was to evoke themes of otherworldliness, objective risk, the interplay between risk and the essence of human spirit, solitude, impermanence, self-sufficiency, and the journey of incomplete wandering intertwined with heartbreak." This short film is an epic story made in collaboration with Matchstick Productions. Bredar explains how he pursues a better visual presentation through his creative process "I think to myself. How would my child self want to see this filmed? And I almost always get a clear vision in response. There are a myriad of challenges shooting aerial cinematography in mountain environments, but they are all ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
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