Austrian Bundesrat passes prison reform and deportation law

The Austrian Bundesrat has approved a comprehensive legislative amendment aimed at relieving pressure on the prison system, increasing security, and facilitating prisoner rehabilitation. A key component of the law allows for the deportation of certain foreign inmates after they have served half of their sentence, even without the individual's consent. Minister Anna Sporrer noted that this measure will primarily affect inmates from Western Balkan countries and will streamline the process by allowing foreign police to take over custody directly.

The reform also addresses the staffing shortages within the prison service. According to Minister Sporrer, the coverage of vacant positions is expected to increase from 94% to 97% next year due to the implementation of additional training courses.

The legislation faced opposition from the FPÖ, who criticized the package and proposed an alternative motion to allow foreign prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries, which failed to gain a majority. SPÖ representatives criticized the FPÖ's stance, arguing the party voted against its own previous policy demands.