Relatives of crime victims may receive higher compensation

In the future surviving relatives of murder victims in the Czech Republic may be entitled to receiving higher compensation under a newly-proposed government bill. Until now surviving relatives could receive only 150, 000 crowns (about 6,000 U.S. dollars), and were only eligible if they had been financially dependent on the deceased. The new legislation proposes raising the amount to up to 450, 000 crowns. It also proposes widening the range of those eligible. In the case of a murdered child, for example, both parents would receive funds.

Last year the Justice Ministry processed 83 applications for compensation funds, paying out 2.5 million crowns in 43 cases that were approved.

Author: Jan Velinger