In the discussion about the victims’ rights for those affected by the terrorist attack in downtown Vienna – in the opinion of the crime victim support Weißer Ring, the crime victims law falls short in this case – the responsible Minister of Social Affairs Rudolf Anschober (Greens) promised comprehensive help on Monday. With regard to victim compensation, they work closely with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice. The aim is “a solution that is as good as possible and appropriate to the affected person”.
This could go beyond the current regulation, said Anschober on the sidelines of a press conference. Last Thursday, the White Ring demanded full access to the benefits of the Crime Victims Act for all people who were in the vicinity of the terrorist attack, which would include the assumption of costs for psychotherapy, lump-sum compensation for pain and suffering, as well as loss of earnings and maintenance.
On the part of the Ministry of Social Affairs Service (SMS), through which the applications are processed, so far only relatives of those shot by the assassin and those injured by him have been recognized as eligible. The SMS did not want to comment on the APA request and referred to the press office of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Meanwhile, the President of the Financial Procuratorate, Wolfang Peschorn, called on those affected in the Ö1 “Morning Journal” to submit claims for compensation under the Crime Victims Act. This provides a legal basis for getting help quickly and immediately. “The state has a responsibility to alleviate this suffering,” emphasized Peschorn.
From Peschorn’s point of view, this approach is more promising for those affected than an official liability suit. In this case, in connection with the act of terrorism, unlawful and culpable behavior on the part of corporate bodies attributable to the Republic of Austria would have to be proven.
The Viennese lawyer Karl Newole, who represents several surviving dependents as well as injured persons, had announced an official liability suit. He welcomed Peschorn’s speech and affirmed that he would also apply for benefits under the Crime Victims Act: “However, the assertion of claims under the Official Liability Act will not be necessary until all victims have been adequately compensated.” It is important that victims make their claims now, “because compensation is not automatic,” as Newole stated in a press release.
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