Interior Minister blocks mass inmate release plan

Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has firmly blocked a proposed mass amnesty that would have freed approximately 500 inmates. Karner, from the conservative ÖVP party, declared that "an amnesty is not an option for us for security reasons." This statement directly counters Justice Minister Anna Sporrer's plan to release prisoners as a one-time measure to alleviate overcrowding in the nation's jails.

Sporrer's proposal would have allowed for the release of inmates serving unconditional sentences of up to five years. However, individuals convicted of serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, terrorism, or offenses against the state would have been excluded. The ÖVP had previously expressed skepticism about the plan.

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An amnesty is not an option for us for security reasons.

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) had voiced strong opposition, stating on Monday evening that "if we release hundreds of criminals by special law, it would rightly damage trust in the rule of law." He emphasized that mass releases would not occur. The measure would have required a parliamentary vote, making the ÖVP's support crucial for its implementation.

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If we release hundreds of criminals by special law, it would rightly damage trust in the rule of law.