Austrian Ombudsman Board deplores 'inhumane conditions' in prison system

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - The Austrian Ombudsman Board (AOB) criticized the “inhumane conditions” in Austria’s prison system in a press release Tuesday.

“The conditions in Austria's prisons are catastrophic,” it said, calling on Justice Minister Alma Zadic to take swift action.

According to the AOB, high occupancy rates and too few staff were among the precarious conditions observed by both inmates and the ombudsman board during consultation days.

“The consequences are poor care conditions, more difficult resocialization and even rising suicide rates,” it said.

The AOB proposed extending electronically monitored house arrest to 18 to 24 months.

“This measure, which is also recommended by the Austrian Court of Audit, would bring about rapid relief, is cost-saving, and would also be conducive to resocialization,” it said.

“I wonder why Justice Minister Zadic is completely inactive,” said Gaby Schwarz, one of three jurists who make up the AOB, in the press release.

The board said it made 48 recommendations to the Ministry of Justice in its annual report.

But “so far, little has been implemented. As the Ombudsman Board, we are also responsible for the observance of human rights. The fact that such inhumane conditions prevail in Austria's prisons is unacceptable,” it said.

According to its official website, the ombudsman board is one of the “supreme organs” of the Republic of Austria.