Ex-finance minister Grasser: Only three months in prison thanks to the new ankle fetter rule!

Ex-finance minister Grasser: Only three months in prison thanks to the new ankle fetter rule!

Innsbruck, Österreich - ex-finance minister Karl-Heinz Grasser faces a possible early release from prison. Due to the new regulations introduced with the budget accompanying law, Grasser could already be released from the Innsbruck judge in September 2025. The law, which comes into force on September 1, 2025, enables the use of electronically monitored house arrest using ankle cuffs for convicted persons with a prison sentence of up to 24 months.

Grasser must take his detention in the “Ziegelstadl” in Innsbruck this week. He was sentenced to four years in prison in the Causa Buwog and the judgment was confirmed by the Supreme Court. After three months of detention, he could make an application for ankle bondage, which could make him live under supervision in his own accommodation. According to the new provisions, such an application can be made in August. General prevention reasons are eliminated, so that only special prevention considerations on Grasser's behavior could potentially justify a rejection. The extended movement options for anklewell beams could benefit Grasser, while the regulatory framework for the use of footstorms in Austria are redefined.

new law and its effects

The changes in the budget accompanying law aim to defuse the "tense detention Situation in Austria". This measure allows ankle cuffs to be used in the event of prison sentences of up to 24 months, instead of only twelve months as before. Grasser could therefore benefit from this regulation, especially if he wants to apply for a half-penalty or two-thirds. In the half penalty, he could apply for a booth from September 1, 2025, while with a two-third penalty the opportunity to leave the prison, it would only be possible in January 2026.

Grasser's attendance team could try to delay the start of prison until the change in the law came into force. However, this is considered not very likely, since he will have to custody in the coming days. The regulations on electronically monitored house arrest design stipulate that convicted people also have a suitable job during the house arrest and have health and accident insurance protection.

prerequisites for the ankle bracelet

For the approval of the application for electronically monitored house arrest, several requirements must be met, including the availability of suitable accommodation in Germany and the proof of regular employment. In addition, the written consent of all persons living in the common household is required. The costs of the electronic house arrest must be borne by the convicted himself, and the application for such house arrest can be made either before or during the execution of the prison sentence.

It is still unclear how exactly the situation for Grasser will develop, especially with regard to its legal options and behavior during his detention. The developments related to the new legislation are carefully pursued both by the public and the political landscape.