5-7-2024 (TAIPEI) The shocking food poisoning incident at the Polam Tea House in March that rocked Taiwan has taken another turn. While the Consumer Protection Committee has initiated legal proceedings on behalf of the victims, the Crime Victim Protection Association has revealed that it has assisted four families of the deceased in applying for criminal victim compensation, with each eligible for NT$1.8 million (S$74,900). According to reports from Central News Agency, the first victim, Mr. Leu, and the second victim, Mr. Yang, were confirmed to have died from exposure to boronic acid after autopsies were conducted. The specific causes of death for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth victims are still pending forensic examination.
The Crime Victim Protection Association has been actively involved in providing support to the affected families. In addition to offering emotional and psychological counseling, as well as economic assistance, the association has also extended legal aid, including assisting the families of four deceased victims in applying for criminal victim compensation.
Furthermore, the association plans to continue assisting the remaining two families in their pursuit of compensation.
Under the newly implemented Crime Victim Rights Protection Act, which took effect in July 2023, the criminal victim compensation system has been adjusted from subrogation to social assistance. Consequently, bereaved family members are now eligible to receive compensation of NT$1.8 million (S$74,900).
