Civil Liability for Compensating Victims of Terrorism

Abstract

Civil law has not addressed terrorism in the same manner as public law, particularly with respect to compensating victims of terrorist acts. Although terrorism has existed since ancient times, it remains one of the most dangerous criminal phenomena in the world. In Arab countries, especially Iraq, Syria, and Libya, the danger has increased with the spread of terrorist organizations and the recurrence of serious attacks against society. Terrorism continues to threaten communities of different forms and backgrounds, while confronting it becomes more difficult because of its varied manifestations and the multiple motives claimed by perpetrators, including religious, ideological, ethnic, and national motives. As a result, victims may fear retaliation if they pursue the responsible party, and they often face difficulty obtaining full and adequate compensation. Effective compensation therefore occupies a vital place in restoring victims’ sense of justice in relation to terrorist acts.