Prisoner's Gender Change Sparks Fraud Probe and Review of Psychiatric Report
A man, now known as Waltraud P., changed his gender entry to female before starting a prison sentence, potentially to serve it in a women's prison. This has sparked a review of the psychiatric report that led to the gender change and investigations into suspected social security fraud and possible favoritism.
The Ministry of the Interior is currently reviewing the psychiatric report that allowed Waltraud P.'s gender change. According to current law, a statement from a psychiatrist or psychologist is required, confirming a sense of belonging to the other gender and its irreversibility. However, searches have so far found no information about a psychiatrist or psychologist who created such a report for Waltraud P.
Legal expert Helmut Graupner has cast doubt on whether Waltraud P. genuinely lives as a woman, suggesting the psychiatrist may have acted negligently or intentionally. The Ministry of Social Affairs has stated that a change of gender should require comprehensive case consideration, not just personal feelings of belonging.
Following Waltraud P.'s gender change, the Pension Insurance Institution granted early retirement at 61 instead of 65. The FPÖ demands immediate legal clarification, while ÖVP, SPÖ, Neos, and Greens call for thorough checks and punishment for abuse if found. The Ministry of Justice considers existing regulations for prisoner detention sufficient, with individual decisions made under all circumstances. Investigations are ongoing.
