When it comes to ‘it is a shock’: survivors of brussels bombings face pension cuts 10 years on, a decade after the devastating terrorist attacks in Brussels, survivors like Walter Benjamin are grappling with life-altering injuries and unexpected financial hardships. On March 22, 2016, three suicide bombers targeted Zaventem Airport and the Maelbeek metro station, killing 32 people and injuring over 320 others, leaving many victims to confront a bleak reality. Benjamin, now 56, suffered significant injuries that day, including the loss of his right leg and extensive surgeries on his left. Yet, it's the recent cuts to his pension that have propelled him back into a cycle of trauma and distress.
Understanding ‘It Is A Shock’: Survivors Of Brussels Bombings Face Pension Cuts 10 Years On
Last year, Benjamin's monthly pension was slashed by 70%, a decision he attributes to the government's effort to reclaim "overpaid" survivors' compensation. Previously, he was awarded a pension as a victim of terrorism, but now estimates he will lose between €130,000 (£112,000) and €150,000 (£130,000) over his lifetime due to these cuts. "It was a shock," he recalls. "Because I have never hidden anything that I have received. And if I die, the debt is there for my daughter. It's not right. It is a psychological shock. I don't understand why we are being made to live like this." Originally reported by The Guardian.
Benjamin, who was only three meters away from the second attacker at the airport when the bomb detonated, has faced numerous challenges since that day. He undertook extensive rehabilitation, determined not to become a burden to his daughter, who was just 16 at the time of the attack. Now, he walks daily on a treadmill to maintain his strength, but he still battles panic attacks and depression, compounded by the recent financial strain.
Legal Framework Behind the Cuts
The pension cuts stem from a Belgian law enacted in 2017, which stipulates that victims cannot receive double compensation for their trauma. Survivors who have received additional payments-such as social security or insurance payouts-face deductions from their pension. Life for Brussels, a support group for victims, states that many are living in "utter despair" as the state seeks reimbursement for compensation provided over the years. The organization argues that the deductions are not only unfair but also based on misinterpretations of the law.
According to a spokesperson for the Belgian federal pensions service, any reduction in compensation would only affect future pension payments and would not result in debt recovery claims against individuals or their heirs. However, the fear of debt remains a burden for many survivors, including Benjamin, who feels a sense of injustice and anxiety over the potential financial repercussions for his family.
Recurring Trauma for Survivors
Aurélie Cardon, another survivor, illustrates the emotional toll of these financial issues. On the day of the attacks, she was on her way to work when the bomb exploded at Maelbeek metro station. Although she believes she was fortunate to sustain less severe injuries compared to others, the psychological impact of the attack lingered for years. She was awarded a lifelong pension of €126 a month, but that was abruptly stopped last year. Subsequently, she received a bill for €1,500 from the government, demanding reimbursement.
"What bothers me most - more than the reimbursement - was that this whole story was behind me, because it was 10 years ago," she shares. "But with this letter it all came flooding back. It's like this story will never end." The emotional scars of the event are compounded by the ongoing administrative challenges that survivors face, forcing them to relive their trauma.
Community Support and Advocacy
As survivors prepare to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Brussels attacks, the call for better support and clearer policies grows louder. Life for Brussels continues to advocate for victims, highlighting the challenges many face due to the financial decisions made by the government. The organization asserts that the state must reconsider its approach to compensation for survivors to avoid forcing them back into a cycle of suffering.
As the anniversary approaches, the stories of individuals like Walter Benjamin and Aurélie Cardon serve as stark reminders of the long-lasting impact of terrorism. Their ongoing battles with health issues, mental well-being, and financial stability illustrate the complexities faced by those who survived the brutal attacks. The hope remains that through advocacy and awareness, the plight of these survivors will gain the attention it deserves, leading to meaningful change in policies and support systems.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.