Victims of extremist and terrorist acts in Germany would receive financial aid from the federal government in the future, which will also cover economic damages, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) announced on Wednesday.
“The state must be there more strongly for those affected by racism and misanthropy,” said German Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht in a statement.
Up to now, only survivors and injured persons of extremist attacks and terrorist crimes receive financial aid from the federal government. Now the support would apply to businesses that become the scene of the crime.
With retroactive effect from Jan. 1, 2018, people “whose business premises have become the scene of a terrorist or extremist act and the act has led or could have led to the death of people,” could receive support payments.
“Right-wing extremist attacks are also aimed at the economic existence of those affected. We must support businesses that have become the scene of horrible acts,” said Lambrecht.
The maximum financial support was 15,000 euros. In addition, Lambrecht announced proposals for “better protection of witnesses in criminal proceedings” so that they would not become the target of extremist threats.