NEWS AND INSIGHTS
In the media
Author Matthew Horder has appeared in both Australian and international media, with coverage focusing on the human story behind MH17 and the long path toward justice.
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ABC NEWS – FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Suspension of MH17 Investigation ‘Disappointing’ for Australian Seeking Justice for Parents
Sunshine Coast man Matthew Horder, who lost both parents when MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014, says the suspension of the international investigation is disappointing — prosecutors cited Russia’s refusal to cooperate and a lack of further evidence
SUNSHINE COAST NEWS – JANUARY 9, 2023
Sowing Seeds of Hope: Matthew Horder Plants MH17 Sunflower Seeds at Sunshine Coast Eating Disorders Centre
Matthew Horder, who lost both parents on MH17, donated third-generation sunflower seeds from the Ukrainian crash site to hinterland charity endED, planting them in the Peaceful Park gardens of their House of Hope centre in Woombye.
ABC NEWS – NOVEMBER 18, 2022
Australian Families Welcome ‘Some Justice’ as Three Convicted Over MH17 Attack
A Dutch court convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian of murder over the shooting down of MH17, with Matthew Horder saying the verdict confirmed his parents were deliberately murdered — though all three convicted men remain at large and are unlikely to serve their life sentences.
9NEWS – NOVEMBER 18, 2022
MH17 — A Big Step Towards Justice
Eight years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down killing 298 people, three fugitives have been convicted in absentia at a trial in the Netherlands, bringing long-awaited relief to families.
ABC NEWS – NOVEMBER 17, 2022
Australia’s Role in Seeking Justice for Families of MH17 Crash Victims
As the Dutch MH17 verdict approached, Matthew Horder travelled to the Netherlands to hear the outcome in person, saying he felt a responsibility to represent his parents because they could no longer represent themselves.
SUNSHINE COAST NEWS – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
Matthew Horder Shares Words of His Lost Parents at Trial Examining Flight MH17 Murders
Mooloolaba’s Matthew Horder delivered an emotional address via video-link to the Dutch MH17 murder trial, reading aloud his parents’ own words so their voices could still be heard seven years after they were killed when the flight was shot down over Ukraine.
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD – SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
The ring that fell from the sky: Australian brothers relive death of parents on flight MH17
Queensland brothers David, Matthew and Adam Horder gave emotional testimony at the Dutch murder trial for MH17, sharing how they have carried the grief of losing both parents when the flight was shot down over Ukraine in 2014.
ABC NEWS – JULY 7, 2017
MH17 trial would see ‘justice’ says son of victims Howard and Susan Horder
Sunshine Coast’s Matthew Horder has voiced support for the decision to prosecute MH17 suspects in the Netherlands, saying the family’s focus has always been on representing their parents’ interests and seeing those responsible brought to justice.
THE COURIER MAIL – APRIL 3, 2016
Matt driven to make a difference after MH17 tragedy
Sunshine Coast resident Matthew Horder, who lost both parents when MH17 was shot down in 2014, has channelled his grief into fundraising for the Mater Foundation — trekking the Great Wall of China to raise $10,000 for Queensland’s most vulnerable babies.
THE COURIER MAIL – JULY 19, 2014
Sons of Parents Lost in MH17 Flight ‘Devastated’ by Loss
Matthew, David and Adam Horder released a statement thanking the public for their overwhelming support after both their parents Howard and Susan were killed when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine on its way home from a European holiday.
FOREWORD
Julie Bishop, former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
The book includes a foreword by former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop.
Her contribution is more than a foreword. It acknowledges that the lived experience of families sits alongside official investigation and diplomacy. It signals that our parents’ story is woven into Australia’s story, and that remembrance, accountability and dignity remain shared responsibilities of governments and institutions to families affected by MH17.
