Sejm to give final reading to bills promising help to the victims of crime

The government yesterday submitted to the Sejm the final versions of two bills, one on appointing an ombudsman for crime victims and the other on providing them with State assistance. The former bill was drawn up by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, which has already appointed an ombudsman. The official's main task is to protect the rights of crime victims by providing them with legal advice, as well as support during the legal proceedings. Additional support would be offered in the form of professional counselling for crime victims. The second bill stipulates the establishment of a fund for crime victims who cannot obtain financial redress from any other source. The funds will provide for the payment of compensation to cover incomes lost as a result of the crime being committed. Money would also be available to cover the cost of any medical treatment and to meet the victim's legal bills. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 6) M. S.-C.