Australian Authorities Are Refusing To Release Data About MH370 Search
They are saying it could "damage ties" with Malaysia.
By Sadho Ram — 08 Mar 2017, 04:29 PM
Today, it's been three years since the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 on 8 March 2014 carrying 239 people onboard. Three years since the grieving families have been waiting for an answer.
And now it seems the victims' families may never get any answers that can help solve their confusion and provide some solace to pain
According to The Australian, officials from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has refused to release information related to the missing flight, saying doing so could damage Australia's international ties with several countries including Malaysia.
The Australian newspaper had sought the release of satellite tracking information about MH370 from the ATSB under Australia's Freedom of Information policy.
However, their request for copies of statements from a panel of international experts that it says supports its interpretation of satellite tracking data was rejected.
According to The Australian, the documents it requested were central to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's defence of its failure to find the missing flight.
The ATSB's General Manager of Strategic Capability Colin McNamara was quoted by The Australian saying, disclosure of the documents "would, or could reasonably be expected to, cause damage to the international relations of the commonwealth"
Meanwhile, The Australian tried to reach out to ATSB's Chief Commissioner Greg Hood and the Head of the Search Strategy, Peter Foley. However, they refused to answer questions.
Although, a spokesman said, "the search for MH370 has always been based on the available evidence at the time", the newspaper said.
The search for the missing MH370 has been abandoned by the governments of Malaysia, Australia and China.
However, the families of those onboard are seeking to fund their private initiative to find the missing flight.