Judgment on damages for victims of 2016 Brussels attacks delayed by staff shortage
The Brussels Assize Court will not rule on the damages awarded to the victims of the terrorist attacks of 22 March 2016 due to staff shortages. This news, first reported by VRT, was confirmed by Sanne De Clerck, lawyer for the victims' association V-Europe.
The assize trial on the attacks in Brussels ended last year, but the hundreds of victims of the bombings are still waiting for a decision on their compensation. This was due on 24 September, but has been postponed due to staff shortages at the Nivelles court.
"We received a letter today from the president, Mrs Massart, informing us that the judgement on damages would not be delivered on 24 September," De Clerck said on Tuesday.
"The reason is that the court in Nivelles has a shortage of staff and clerks have been sent from Brussels to Nivelles to help out. It goes without saying that this is very painful for my client and all the victims, another disappointment. We are now more than eight years after the facts, this was the last hurdle."
"This is very painful for my client and all the victims"
The verdict represents an important milestone for the victims, not just a symbolic one. On the basis of the verdict, victims will be able to claim damages from the convicted perpetrators. If they are unable to pay, the Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence can help them further.
Water damaged courthouse
The Nivelles courthouse is in very bad shape, according to RTBF. The news channel reported last week that the building has become unhygienic and unstable due to years of water damage. Some of the archives are irreparably damaged, which could complicate other court cases.
A new date for the verdict has not yet been set. The court will announce it at the hearing on 24 September, according to De Clerck.
© BELGA PHOTO POOL DIDIER LEBRUN
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