Karl-Heinz Grasser (former finance minister) is released from prison with an electronic bracelet after seven months behind bars
Karl Heinz Grasser, the former Austrian finance minister, was released on Friday from the Innsbruck prison 'Ziegelstadl' to begin his house arrest in Kitzbühel under electronic surveillance. He spent seven months behind bars after being convicted in the Buwog case.
On the morning of his release, Grasser, who turned 57 on the same day, had his last breakfast in prison before the electronic bracelet was fitted. At 8:51 AM, he left the cell to begin his precisely organized house arrest. Eyewitnesses reported that his wife Fiona and daughter may have dropped him off in a small black van, where Grasser lay down in the vehicle to avoid the cameras.
The electronic bracelet system is designed for precise monitoring. There will be a GPS device at Grasser's home in Kitzbühel to track his movements around the clock, ensuring adherence to daily routines, work, and return times. Any violations, such as long working hours or emergency medical visits, must be reported in advance to the prison or monitoring center.
Lgrasar is allowed to go out for only one hour a day, and the device can issue an alarm if it exceeds the permitted areas inside the house. Additionally, two "outings" can be granted monthly, ranging from 12 to 48 hours depending on the purpose, focusing on commitment and accountability while allowing limited freedom.
The electronic ankle bracelet parole depends on the court. After serving half of his sentence—17 months in total—Grasser can request early release. Until then, prison law stipulates that he must be transferred under supervision if he moves between locations, although this time his wife and daughter, Tolita, are handling his transfer.