RIGA - The European Parliament (EP) has adopted new European Union (EU) rules to reinforce support and protection measures for victims of crime, as well as their rights in criminal proceedings, LETA was told at the EP Representation in Latvia.
On Thursday, with 440 votes in favor, 49 against and 84 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a modernization of the legal framework that applies to victims of crime.
The new rules strengthen the rights of victims during criminal proceedings, including through information and emotional support at court premises, a new right to privacy and non-disclosure of a victim's personal data to the offender, legal aid for the duration of the trial for victims with insufficient means, and accelerated payment of compensation.
The rules provide for establishing helplines to provide information, support and referrals to relevant services, available online, via applications, and an EU-wide 116 006 phone number.
The rules introduce the possibility of reporting criminal offenses online and ensure support for people whose liberty is restricted, for example non-EU citizens in immigration-related facilities, or people in institutional care settings.
The draft directive still needs to be formally adopted by the Council. It will then be published in the Official Journal before entering into force. Member states will have two years to implement it.
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