After Hungary released hundreds of foreign prisoners convicted of people smuggling from its prisons, Austria has now stepped up border controls with the neighboring country.
At the request of the APA, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed yesterday that border controls had been intensified.
Vehicles from Hungary, Romania and Serbia
The focus of the checks is on vehicles from Hungary, Romania and Serbia. In addition, it should be examined whether a continuation of police cooperation with Hungary is possible.
incarceration too expensive
According to a regulation issued by Viktor Orban’s right-wing Hungarian government at the end of last month, imprisoned human traffickers will be released if they leave Hungary within 72 hours. Hungarian criminal law provides for long prison sentences of two to 20 years for people smuggling. Chancellery Minister Gergely Gulyas justified the step by saying that the incarceration of foreign criminals would be too expensive.
According to official information, 2,600 foreigners from 73 countries are currently in prison in Hungary, most of whom are criminals who have been convicted of smuggling. The Hungarian media reported the release of 700 people, mostly from Serbia, Romania and Ukraine.
resistance in Hungary
In Hungary, there is already resistance to the measure. Other prisoners are protesting against the release of convicted criminals. Around 13 percent of all prisoners are convicted of smuggling. There were also concerns from human rights activists.
Austria reacted with irritation on Friday after the measure became known. The Interior Ministry is now seeking contact with the Hungarian side. In addition to increased border controls, other measures would be examined, it said.
