Greene makes final plea for parliament to back victim protections

Speaking ahead of the final vote on his amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which would strengthen the rights of victims of crime, Jamie Greene MSP has called on all political parties to back his proposals.

Jamie Greene has put forward a range of amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which are largely formed from his own Victim’s Law.

If passed his amendments will:

• Expand the right to give a victim impact statement to all victims in solemn proceedings.
• Require the Victim’s Commissioner to introduce a victim’s charter, which will set out a victim’s journey and rights throughout the entirety of the criminal justice system.
• Guarantee all victims of crime have the right to be informed of decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue prosecution in their case.

In addition, Jamie Greene's amendments represent a major shift in the way the Parole Board currently operates by requiring the board to:

• Take into account the impact a decision to release a prisoner would have on the safety and security of a family member
• Consider applying an exclusion zone to a prisoner's release conditions if the board believes a victim or their family member's safety, security, or wellbeing will be adversely affected by said prisoner's release.
• Provide victims with a summary of reasons for decisions to release or not to release a prisoner.
• Provide all victims with the opportunity to attend parole proceedings for the purposes of observing.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene MSP said:

“We’re so close to making the experience of victims in the criminal justice system a fairer and safer one.

“I have heard from so many people who have been left not only devastated by the initial crime, but also utterly traumatised by how our system can tilt too far in favour of the perpetrator.

“My amendments seek to redress that balance by introducing and strengthening key protections for victims and their families.

“As these amendments reach their final vote in parliament today, I urge every party to recognise that the time for change is now- we cannot afford any more delays- and support my proposals.”