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Austria to summon Hungary ambassador over human smugglers’ release

Austria's foreign ministry said it will summon the Hungarian ambassador later Monday after Budapest revealed its plans to release hundreds of convicted human smugglers from prison, citing high costs.

Published: 22 May 2023 15:53 CEST
Austria to summon Hungary ambassador over human smugglers' release
Austrian border policemen check papers of car passenger at the Austro-Hungarian border in Nickelsdorf, Austria, near Hegyeshalom, Hungary. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

Last month, the Hungarian government issued a decree, which allows for the release of up to 700 foreign detainees convicted of people smuggling, provided they leave the country within 72 hours.

“We expect an immediate and complete clarification from Hungary and have… summoned the Hungarian Ambassador to the Foreign Ministry in Vienna for an urgent meeting this afternoon,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

READ ALSO: How many travellers are turned away at European borders because of 90 day limit?

“We are very concerned about reports of the Hungarian government’s decree to release… convicted human smugglers,” it said. “As a neighbouring country, this decision… has a direct impact on our security,” it added.

Over the weekend, Austria’s Interior Ministry said it would tighten border checks with Hungary, especially focusing on vehicles coming from Hungary, Romania and Serbia.

Following an unconfirmed Hungarian media report that several convicted people smugglers have been released, the Austrian ministry instructed its head of public safety to contact the Hungarian authorities and “prepare and initiate… countermeasures”.

READ ALSO: EU’s planned biometric border check system ‘delayed again’

“Smugglers are criminals who belong to organised crime. Their brutal acts endanger human lives,” the ministry said.

On Sunday, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg discussed the matter with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. The Hungarian government did not immediately reply to a request by AFP to confirm whether it has started to enforce the decree.

Budapest has justified the decree, stating that its taxpayers should no longer need to pay the high costs associated with imprisoning foreign criminals.

Hungary also said the number of prisoners convicted of crimes related to human trafficking has been increasing in recent years.

READ ALSO: Reader Question: Does a passport renewal restart the 90 day clock for visiting Austria?

According to information provided by the Hungarian government, 2,600 foreign convicts from 73 countries are currently being held in Hungarian prisons.

Some 700 detainees would be affected by the measure.

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CRIME

UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating,” they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification but has not yet received a response.

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