Overview
- The Chaoyang District People’s Court said it ruled on Dec 5 that Malaysia Airlines must compensate eight families for funeral expenses, emotional distress, and other losses.
- Each family is to receive more than 2.9 million yuan, according to the court statement released on Dec 8.
- The court noted that 47 other lawsuits were withdrawn after families reached out-of-court settlements with Malaysia Airlines and its international arm.
- Twenty-three of the original 78 cases remain pending because families have not applied for or completed formal death declarations.
- The eight passengers tied to the awarded compensation have been legally declared deceased, and the court announcement follows news that Malaysia will resume the search at the end of December, a move welcomed by China’s foreign ministry and relatives.