The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has awarded more than $142 million to the families of eight people who died in the destruction of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, APA reports citing CBC.

The victims' families sued Iran, its supreme leader, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) among others, arguing they are responsible for an act of terrorism and the harm and losses the families suffered.

Justice David Stinson concluded the plaintiffs established the shooting down of Flight PS752 by the defendants "was an act of terrorism that constitutes 'terrorist activity.'"

"An award of punitive damages against the defendants … is intended to punish, denounce and deter," Stinson wrote in his endorsement of the plaintiffs' motion for a default judgment.

The families were each awarded more than $16 million in punitive damages, and $1 million each for pain and suffering. Some who lost siblings, spouses, a 22-year-old daughter, and nieces were also awarded between $150,000 and $200,000 each for loss of guidance, care and companionship.

This case is the second default proceeding brought before the Ontario Superior Court tied to the downing of the plane on Jan. 8, 2020.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down the plane with two surface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff in Tehran, killing all 176 passengers on board, including 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents and others with ties to Canada.

The Superior Court in Ontario also issued another decision last year awarding $107 million to the families of six other people who died on the plane. The total amount awarded in damage judgments is close to $250 million to the families of 14 victims.

Iran did not defend itself in court in either case, making both default judgments.

Source: Azeri-Press News Agency