That's why Grasser could get an ankle bracelet early

Since last Monday, the former Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, who was legally sentenced to four years in prison in the Buwog affair, has been in the Innsbruck correctional facility (JA) to serve his imposed prison sentence. However, the government could help the now 56-year-old to apply for an electronic ankle bracelet in three months and - if granted - switch to electronically monitored house arrest.

Budget Accompanying Act Plays a Role

The "culprit" is the Budget Accompanying Act, the draft of which is currently being discussed by the parliament in the budget committee. The draft law will be dealt with in the plenary session in mid-June and is to be passed before the summer break. The government proposal includes new regulations for electronically monitored house arrest - in the future, convicted offenders with a remaining sentence of 24 months to serve will also be eligible for an electronic ankle bracelet. Previously, this limit was twelve months.

Grasser would benefit from the expansion of the electronic ankle bracelet regulation in that prisoners can apply for early conditional release after serving half of their sentence. First-time offenders - former Finance Minister Grasser was legally unblemished until his conviction in the Buwog and Terminal Tower cases - are usually granted this. Grasser's legal representatives now argue that the former politician would realistically have to serve two years, after which all conditions for granting conditional release would be met. For the two years to be served, Grasser would be a "model candidate" for the new, more generous electronic ankle bracelet regulation, as he meets the conditions provided for it. He could - as required by law - cover the costs of the electronic ankle bracelet, has a suitable residence, and the necessary means to support himself.

Ministry and Grasser's Legal Representatives Commented

"The current draft of the Budget Accompanying Act provides that the changes related to electronically monitored house arrest will come into effect on September 1, 2025," confirmed the Ministry of Justice upon APA request. "Karl-Heinz Grasser will, of course, try to take advantage of the new regulation," explained Manfred Ainedter, one of Grasser's legal representatives. They hope that the government's plan will be "passed as scheduled," Ainedter said in an interview with APA on Wednesday.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.