Justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin wants a new law allowing house arrest as a sentence for certain offences. The idea is to have it available as an option in cases where a fine or community service is considered too lenient, and a prison sentence too harsh.

Offenders’ whereabouts will be constantly monitored using electronic tags attached to their wrists or ankles.
Sentences will last for a maximum of four months, and prisoners will be permitted to leave their home – by prior agreement – for up to two hours each day to allow for shopping, exercise and family visits.