More than fifteen years after Josef Fritzl was convicted of murder due to negligence, incest and deprivation of liberty, the serious criminal is transferred to the normal prison system – although he is still in custody, he could soon enjoy a little freedom. Famous lawyer Astrid Wagner leaves no stone unturned!
The seemingly endless story about “Kellermonster” Josef Fritzl is once again enriched with another facet. 16 years after his arrest, the now 89-year-old will finally be transferred to the normal prison system – because he is no longer dangerous requiring placement in a forensic therapy center, it is said.
The responsible three-member senate of the Krems Regional Court followed the assessment of the famous psychiatrist Heidi Kastner and the strategy of Fritzl lawyer Astrid Wagner. The lawyer is of course extremely satisfied with the interrogation:
“Kron”: Ms. Wagner, another respectable legal success for your client. How difficult was the journey?
Wagner: It was really not easy, after all, the first report was already in 2021. The resistance was great, but this is now an important step.
What does Josef Fritzl’s new life look like?
A lot will change, but not much at first. The deciding factor now is the Ministry of Justice; I hope that the relevant reflection process has already begun. I imagine he would now be transferred to the hospital ward in a normal prison environment. Obviously this is not a permanent solution. I will now wait until he gets used to it, and then I will of course request an appropriate easing of restrictions.
What can the above-mentioned relaxations look like in concrete terms?
First we have to wait and see if he is transferred to another prison. I would like to think of Suben or Tullnerbach. But I do believe that further therapies are necessary or should be possible given his progressive dementia and associated exits.
How is your client dealing with the situation now?
To be honest, he probably doesn’t know anything about it yet, I’m not going to visit him until tomorrow. Yesterday we were talking about his pocket money. He wanted to buy fruit because he also leads a very healthy lifestyle. But of course his ultimate goal is to live an independent life. The dream of a cottage in the countryside with a train connection is now closer, even if it is still far away.
Opinions about this judge’s ruling are of course divided. How do you deal with criticism?
My credo still applies: everyone is equal before the law. The idea of mercy in Christian understanding is very firmly rooted in me. The rehabilitation of criminals is a valuable asset in Austria, even if there is criticism on this point.
Normal prison: the ‘new life’ for Fritzl in detail
If the decision ultimately becomes legally binding, the 89-year-old will have to move at least on paper. Because transfer to regular prison does not automatically mean a change of location.
Until now, he has undergone his psychiatric treatments and psychotherapy, to which he was sentenced in the form of incarceration, in Stein prison. In which ‘normal’ prisoners are held. Only the measures to reduce the danger no longer apply.
A change of scenery is still likely for Fritzl – namely to senior prison. Both retired first-time offenders and serial criminals are locked up in appropriate prisons and receive age-appropriate care.
In this case probably dementia therapy. In any case, the ‘basement monster’ is still behind bars. Even though he is now one step closer to being fired.
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.
