Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has effectively halted a proposal by Justice Minister Alma Zadić to release 500 prisoners early. Zadić had proposed a one-time measure granting early release to the inmates. Karner stated that a general amnesty is out of the question due to security concerns. He publicly thanked former Interior Minister Karl Nehammer – referred to as “Stocker” in the report – for previously establishing a precedent against such large-scale releases, calling it a crucial “key word” in his decision. The disagreement highlights a clear divergence in policy between the two ministers regarding criminal justice reform. The plan’s details and the criteria for selecting the 500 inmates were not disclosed in the report. This decision signals a firmer stance on law and order from the Interior Ministry.