Victim's Complaint Not Mandatory for Prosecuting Pickpockets

The National Assembly's Committee on State and Legal Affairs has approved a draft law today that amends regulations regarding pickpocketing.

Under the draft law, if adopted by the National Assembly, it will no longer be mandatory for victims to file complaints. The state itself can file a claim and bring charges for pickpocketing without the victim's consent.

During the discussions, it became clear that this change takes practical experience into account. It is known that until now, most pickpockets are caught but not prosecuted, as they reach agreements with the victims, who then withdraw their complaints. As a result, many pickpockets continue to steal, especially in public transport.

The authors of this draft have decided to put an end to that practice. As a result, charges will be brought against pickpockets even when the victim has no complaint whatsoever.