Austrian prison and trafficking law reforms

The Austrian Bundesrat has approved a comprehensive legislative amendment, known as the ‘Strafvollzugsnovelle’, aimed at increasing security, relieving pressure on correctional facilities, and facilitating rehabilitation.

A central element of the law allows for the deportation of certain foreign inmates after they have served half of their sentence. Notably, this measure can be implemented even without the individual’s consent. Minister Anna Sporrer stated that this provision will primarily affect inmates from Western Balkan countries and will streamline processes by allowing foreign police to take over custody directly. This deportation provision excludes individuals convicted of terrorist acts, sexual offenses, or serious violent crimes.

The reform also addresses staffing shortages within the prison service. Minister Sporrer expects the coverage of vacant positions to increase from 94% to 97% next year following the implementation of additional training courses. Other components include expanded search powers for guards, improved reintegration support through delayed sentence starts, and increased video telephony access.

The legislation faced political opposition. The FPÖ criticized the package and proposed an alternative motion to allow foreign prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries, though this failed to gain a majority. SPÖ representatives criticized the FPÖ’s stance, arguing the party voted against its own previous policy demands. The Council also addressed criminal laws targeting the mediation and financially motivated removal of organs.