The families of those killed in the 2014 MH17 plane crash over Ukraine have begun to testify in the trial of four suspects

90 individuals will have their chance to speak in Schiphol’s high-security court over the course of three weeks, as the hearing continues.

MH17 was travelling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down and crashed on the Russia-Ukraine border.

The 298 people on board the Boeing 777 all lost their lives, 283 being passengers and 15 crew members.

Dutch prosecutors are leading the case in The Netherlands, alleging that the suspects on trial played a part in bringing down the plane with a missile.

All four suspects are believed to be pro-Russian separatists, who were helping rebels fight the Ukrainian government’s troops.

Australian resident Vanessa Rizk lost her parents in the disaster, and told the court that those responsible “deserve punishment for their heinous actions”.

Vanessa’s brother James also testified, saying “the misinformation from Russia, the lack of involvement from Russia, and their denials baffles [him]”.