Up to $328 million for Paris attack victims, families

PARIS (AP) – Up to 300 million euros ($328 million) may be set aside for compensating victims of the Nov. 13 Paris attacks and their families, France’s justice minister says.

In an interview with Le Parisien newspaper published Thursday, Christine Taubira said a special government fund for terrorism victims has already earmarked 6.7 million euros, as well as 771,000 euros for travel and hotels for families who came from afar to see injured loved ones or identify remains.

The attacks by Islamic extremists on a rock concert, cafes and France’s main stadium killed 130 people dead and injured hundreds. Seven suicide bombers also died.

Of the 352 people hospitalized in the Paris region for injuries caused by the attacks, 54 remained in hospitals a month after the attacks, with eight still in intensive care, according to the Health Ministry’s General Direction for Health.

At least one victim’s father suggested suing the government for not ensuring security, especially after deadly attacks in January against satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher market.