Slovenia to Compensate Thousands for COVID Restriction Fines

In Slovenia, a law addressing unconstitutional restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has come into effect. It includes provisions for refunding citizens fines based on actions later deemed unconstitutional. This was reported by RTV Slovenija.

Slovenia had implemented stringent COVID-19-related restrictions, including limits on movement and gatherings, a ban on leaving residential areas, and a curfew. Eventually, the country's Constitutional Court ruled most of these restrictions unconstitutional.

According to the Ministry of Justice of Slovenia, approximately 62,000 proceedings related to pandemic-induced restriction violations were initiated in the country between March 7, 2020, and May 30, 2022. The total amount of fines imposed was around 5.7 million euros, with 30% of fines voluntarily paid or collected, while the remainder was in the process of forced collection at the time of the law's enactment.

Now, each of the 60,000-plus citizens fined for violating COVID restrictions can expect compensation. The law in effect allows a maximum of 5.7 million euros for fine reimbursements and approximately 100,000 euros for associated expenses (modernization of information systems, process servicing costs, and other expenses).

The refund process will be automatic, eliminating the need for applications or bureaucratic procedures.

According to Minister of Justice Dominika Švarc Pipan, the main goal of the law is to rectify injustice and restore citizens' trust in the rule of law.

The law does not provide for assessing damages or compensating legal representation costs in violation cases, and fines for secondary offenses and offenses involving violence will not be refunded.

"The decisions on which they imposed fines were not based on the law. The government knew about it - and if it means they have to return the money now, so be it. If you live in a legal state, it should apply to everyone," said environmentalist Rok Rozman, who received several fines for participating in protest actions.

Ongoing proceedings in violation cases still under consideration by law enforcement and courts will be suspended. Data on these violations will be removed from the records of offenses.