The Krems Public Prosecutor’s Office has filed a complaint in the case of a twelve-year-old boy who was allegedly locked in a dog crate and tortured by his mother in the Waldviertel. This is now before the regional court, authority spokesman Franz Hütter said on Thursday. No further details are available yet.
The boy’s 32-year-old mother was investigated for attempted murder, among other things. A 40-year-old possible accomplice was considered a contributor.
Suspicion of torture of minors
There was also the suspicion that minors, younger or defenseless people were tortured, neglected and deprived of their liberty. Hütter did not provide any information about the suspect or the criminal offenses charged. It was pointed out that the document must first be handed over to those concerned.
Locked in a dog crate for hours
The 32-year-old allegedly beat, tied, gagged and repeatedly locked her son in a dog crate for hours from early September to November 2022. She also allegedly let the child starve. On November 23, 2022, the boy only had a body temperature of 26.8 degrees and was in a coma. A social worker is said to have called the rescue team. The child was taken to a clinic. The health condition later improved. According to media reports, hospital staff and a teacher may have previously informed authorities.
Mother has been in custody since autumn 2022
The mother was taken into custody in the fall of 2022. At the beginning of March, the 40-year-old was arrested as a possible accomplice and also taken into custody. The woman could have given the 32-year-old instructions. There were also charges against a police officer, but not in connection with torturing the child. According to media reports, the suspect is the 40-year-old’s ex-partner, who may have helped the woman cover up her actions. The investigation against him was legally closed in August.
Criticism of the authorities was repeatedly expressed in the media. Child and youth care emphasizes that an immediate check of the internal processes after the case became known showed that “all requirements were met”.
Final report expected in January
A six-member expert group was established by the state and began its work in August. According to Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ), State Councilor of Lower Austria, the independent commission should assess the legal regulations, processes and interfaces and make any suggestions for improvements. A final report is expected in January 2024; there will be no interim report.
Source: Krone
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