The victims and survivors of last year’s terrorist attacks in Norway qualify for compensation from the state, even though the convicted terrorist who carried out the attacks was directly responsible for the death and injury he inflicted. This week came word that compensation amounts were being nearly doubled beyond the state’s first offer, because of the “extraordinary character” of the national trauma.
An appeals board ruled Wednesday that the attacks of July 22, 2011 were beyond precedent in Norway, justifying compensation amounts that were much higher than normal.
All those who were victims of life-threatening injuries in the massacre on the island of Utøya will now receive NOK 600,000 (just over USD 100,000) instead of the NOK 350,000 initially offered. Those seriously injured on Utøya will receive NOK 450,000, up from NOK 250,000.
Victims of life-threatening injuries in the bombing of government headquarters in downtown Oslo will receive NOK 500,000, up from NOK 300,000, and those seriously injured will see their compensation more than tripled, to NOK 350,000 from NOK 100,000.
Parents of youngsters killed on Utøya will receive NOK 300,000, up from NOK 200,000, while siblings will receive NOK 200,000, the same amount initially offered.
The higher compensation came after complaints filed by attorneys representing victims and survivors, and it was generally well-received among those qualifying for it. One young man who survived life-threatening injuries on Utøya said he now hopes this will put the issue to rest, 17 months after the attacks occurred.
newsinenglish.no staff
