On Thursday, a jury will decide whether 88-year-old Josef Fritzl will be transferred from prison to a normal cell. This paves the way for his release from his life sentence. Fritzl arrived in court shortly before 7:30 am.
Almost everyone knows the terrible incest case in Amstetten. A father who kept his daughter locked up in a basement dungeon for almost 24 years and fathered seven children with her. Josef Fritzl was unanimously sentenced to life imprisonment by the St. Pölten Regional Court in 2009 for negligent homicide, rape, deprivation of liberty, serious coercion and incest. And because of his mental illness he was admitted to an institution – the harshest punishment available in Austria.
Crazy media storm in Krems
That was fifteen years ago, but the media interest is no less intense. Dozens of media representatives crowd the Krems Regional Court to obtain a photo or video of Fritzl – a rarity since his 2009 trial. But will the media come away empty-handed? Two days before the 88-year-old’s scheduled ‘appearance’ in the hearing room of the regional court, the date became public and the phone at the media office continued to ring. According to spokesperson Ferdinand Schuster, a different location was chosen for the hearing: the jury courtroom G.
Shortly before 7:30 a.m., Josef Fritzl was taken to the Krems Correctional Institution via the rear entrance in a prison bus. The hearing appears to be taking place in the Krems Regional Court building. Wherever lawyer Astrid Wagner appears before the media: “He will probably be released from prison today.”
Not dangerous due to dementia
A decision will be made on his transfer from the detention center at Stein Prison to a normal cell. Because Fritzl is no longer dangerous – forensic psychiatrist Adelheid Kastner came to the conclusion at the end of 2023. His severe dementia would overshadow the 88-year-old’s abnormality.
The disease ensures that “acts predicted to have serious consequences will no longer occur.” Based on this expertise, the Senate will decide whether the 88-year-old will be released from prison on parole. According to lawyer Wagner, the outcome will be announced verbally today.
“Intensely busy with actions”
What does Josef Fritzl expect? “He expects that the hearing today will have a positive outcome, but not that he can go home today.” A new application must be submitted for this. That will happen soon, assures Astrid Wagner. Because: “I am absolutely convinced that he dealt with his actions very intensively and that he deeply regrets them.” The decision is still pending.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
