Kazakhstan Postpones Release of Black Box Data from Azerbaijani Plane Crash
Kazakhstan has delayed releasing the black box data from an Azerbaijani plane crash after Azerbaijan accused Russia of shooting it down. Kazakh officials cite difficulties in finalizing the report, and an investigation is underway involving multiple nations. The incident raises concerns reminiscent of prior aviation tragedies involving suspected missile strikes.
Kazakhstan has postponed the release of data from the black boxes of an Azerbaijani plane that crashed last month. This decision comes after Azerbaijan accused Russia of mistakenly firing on the aircraft. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev acknowledged challenges in compiling the report and expressed hopes that a preliminary version will be ready by next week.
The crash occurred on December 25, resulting in the deaths of 38 out of 67 individuals on board. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev alleged that Russian military forces fired at the Azerbaijani Airlines jet while it was attempting to land at Grozny airport. Despite these accusations, Russia has stated its air defense system was engaged in repelling Ukrainian drone activity at the time.
Bozumbayev noted that the contents of the black boxes have been fully decrypted, but authentication of the identified individuals is still pending, requiring confirmation from family members. A criminal investigation has been initiated to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, which includes analyzing ballistics and explosives.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have all initiated their investigations into potential legal breaches surrounding the crash. Bozumbayev confirmed that investigators from Kazakhstan are maintaining close cooperation with both Azerbaijan and Russia. The black boxes have already been sent to Brazil for analysis and then returned to Kazakhstan for further evaluations.
Kazakhstan faces a politically sensitive situation given its relationships with both Russia and Azerbaijan. Independent analysts have suggested that the plane was likely hit accidentally, drawing parallels to the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was struck by a Russian missile over Ukraine in 2014, resulting in the loss of all 298 passengers.
Kazakhstan’s delay in releasing the black box data from the Azerbaijani plane crash is surrounded by international tensions and investigations. The Kazakh government is working to authenticate and release findings amid serious allegations against Russian military actions. As investigatory processes unfold, the dynamics between Kazakhstan, Russia, and Azerbaijan remain critically important in addressing accountability and transparency in aviation safety.
Original Source: www.france24.com
