LDP seeks to extend statute of limitations for nuclear accident damage claims to 10 years
Source: Asahi Shimbun
A bill proposed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will extend the statute of limitations by seven years for filing claims for damages from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as thousands of victims have not come forward for redress.
The move is intended to prevent Tokyo Electric Power Co., operator of the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, from refusing to compensate victims on the basis of the three-year statute of limitations for damage claims.
The LDP is set to submit the bill in the extraordinary Diet session that starts next month.
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The Japan Federation of Bar Associations, which has called for the same 10-year limit as a creditor’s claim, put the number of eligible victims who have not yet made damage claims with TEPCO at nearly 1 million. The figure includes those whose business operations suffered as well as those who evacuated at their own discretion.
“A large number of evacuees are still being forced to live under restricted conditions, making it harder for many to exercise their right to compensation,” said the draft outline of the legislation, which was compiled by an LDP committee on supporting victims of the nuclear accident and rebuilding of local industries.
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Read more: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201309210059