A lawyer representing Josef Fritzl, infamously known for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children through abuse, has requested his temporary release from jail for social training. The 90-year-old, who has already sought early prison release, may soon be permitted to enjoy outings to Vienna and frequent local cafes, despite not yet being officially freed.
In an exclusive interview, Fritzl’s lawyer, Astrid Wagner, disclosed that she has formally applied for him to participate in a specialized “social training” program. This program aims to reintegrate him into society by allowing him to engage in activities like having coffee in nearby cafes. Wagner emphasized the importance of Fritzl learning basic everyday tasks such as using a mobile phone, ordering coffee, and managing doors independently, skills that tend to fade during imprisonment.
Wagner mentioned that Fritzl would be accompanied by a psychologist during these outings to ensure his well-being. She noted his physical fitness despite mental health challenges and suggested that he might soon be seen enjoying coffee in a café near Krems. Wagner also highlighted Fritzl’s failure to comply with dementia medication as a reason why further detention could be deemed unconstitutional by violating human rights conventions.
The decision on whether Fritzl, convicted of various heinous crimes including murder, rape, incest, slavery, and coercion, should be reintegrated into society will rest with a panel of judges in Krems. Criticism has arisen over the possibility of Fritzl’s release, with veteran crime reporter Michael Koch condemning the move, citing the severity of Fritzl’s crimes. While Wagner advocates for Fritzl to have a second chance, public outrage in Austria is growing at the prospect of his potential freedom.
This development is reigniting debates on whether individuals like Fritzl should ever be granted liberty again. Recent comments from Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch underscore the profound impact of the Fritzl case, with Badenoch expressing a loss of faith in the wake of the disturbing revelations.