Two female inmates from Josefstadt Prison in Vienna who escaped on Thursday afternoon remain at large.
The Vienna police have released photographs of the fugitives from Austria’s largest correctional facility, which accommodates over 1,000 prisoners. The women are aged 31 and 43.
“All search efforts by the Vienna police have so far proved unsuccessful. The search and arrest of the two women were promptly ordered by the judiciary,” the Regional Police Directorate stated on Friday afternoon.
Anyone with relevant information, particularly details concerning the whereabouts of the fugitives, is urged to contact the police.
Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has reported that the fugitives had “behaved well” during their detention and had worked as housekeepers, carrying out cleaning duties in the visiting and guard areas of the prison. “Current information suggests that the inmates planned the escape together. Assistance from external individuals cannot be ruled out after reviewing the video footage, and a report has been filed in this regard.”
The circumstances surrounding the escape are now under internal investigation. Both Josefstadt Prison and the General Directorate for Prison Administration have swiftly implemented emergency measures, the Justice Ministry emphasised. Cells have been searched, additional security posts have been established, and a case analysis has been commissioned and conducted.
