April 17, 2025- Iran has filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Ukraine, contesting their legal actions concerning the 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. The aircraft was shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran on January 8, 2020, resulting in the deaths of all 176 people on board.
The four countries have previously brought a case to the ICJ, alleging that Iran unlawfully shot down the civilian aircraft and failed to conduct a transparent investigation or provide adequate reparations to the victims’ families. They argue that Iran’s actions violated international aviation safety conventions.
In response, Iran contends that the legal proceedings initiated by these countries, particularly Canada’s actions allowing civil suits against Iran, infringe upon its sovereign immunity under international law. Iran asserts that such measures are politically motivated and undermine the principles of state immunity.
Iran maintains that the downing of Flight PS752 was a tragic mistake, attributing it to human error during a period of heightened military tension. Iranian authorities have stated that they have taken steps to hold those responsible accountable and have offered compensation to the victims’ families.
The ICJ will now consider the arguments presented by both sides. While the court’s decisions are binding, the process is expected to be lengthy, and the outcome will have significant implications for international law and state accountability.
Sources: France24, AP News, The Independent
