Russia has informed Brazil that “at the moment” it does not intend to investigate the crash of a Brazilian Embraer plane carrying Wagner PMC founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in accordance with international rules. It is reported by Reuters.
Earlier, the Brazilian Center for Research and Prevention of Aircraft Accidents (CENIPA) sent a request to the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) to participate in the investigation into the crash of the Brazilian airliner manufacturer Embraer in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to a request from the Brazilian side, the IAC referred to the thirteenth paragraph of the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to which, if an emergency occurred on a domestic flight, then international standards do not apply to it.
The head of CENIPA, Marcelo Moreno, emphasized in a conversation with the agency that although the Russian side is not obliged to conduct an investigation at the international level, it is recommended to improve aviation security.
Air crash investigation expert Jeff Gazzetti believes that Russia’s refusal to accept Brazil’s offer will demonstrate that “there will be no transparent investigation,” writes Reuters.
On August 23, a private plane Embraer-135, used by the founder of the Wagner PMC, Evgeniy Prigozhin, crashed in the Tver region. Eyewitnesses claim that an explosion occurred on board. It was reported that an anti-aircraft missile could have been launched in the area of the crash. The investigation, according to official information, is considering all versions of what happened, including pilot error, technical problems and “external influence.” The Kremlin has denied any involvement of Russian authorities in the downing of Prigozhin’s plane. Two months ago, Prigozhin and his mercenaries attempted an armed rebellion against the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense. At the same time, several helicopters and one military aircraft were shot down, trying, according to Prigozhin, to bomb the columns. The crews of several aircraft were killed. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the PMC of treason, and a criminal case was initiated against the head of the company for armed rebellion. Later, after negotiations through the mediation of Alexander Lukashenko, it was possible to agree on the withdrawal of mercenaries to Belarusian territory. Putin promised in return to stop persecuting the rebels. Commenting on the crash of Prigozhin’s plane, the Russian president said that the head of the Wagner PMC was a “talented person” and expressed his condolences to his loved ones.
