The Austrian Josef Fritzl, convicted of raping his daughter for 24 years, will leave the high security unit. He will now be in traditional detention, with regular examinations.
The decision was rendered this Thursday: the Austrian torturer Josef Fritzl, nicknamed the “Monster of Amstetten” and sentenced to life imprisonment for having kidnapped and raped his daughter for 24 years, has just obtained the right to leave the high security unit where he is detained.
The judges based themselves on a psychiatric expert report citing his advanced age and the onset of dementia. He must now be placed in a traditional detention regime and undergo regular examinations.
“He was on the verge of tears during the hearing. He once again described how terrible his actions were. He said he was incredibly sorry for his victims, that he would love to undo everything he did. He has repeatedly said that he would like to give his life to undo everything, but unfortunately he cannot do it. But he takes care of his actions day and night, he always has the court documents in front of him “ said Astrid Wagner, lawyer for Josef Fritzl.
The 88-year-old former electrician was convicted in March 2009 of incest, rape, kidnapping, enslavement and negligent homicide of one of his seven young sons born from the incestuous relationship he had with his girl.
The latter was kidnapped and raped from 1984 to 2008 in a cellar-bunker set up in the basement of the family property in Amstetten. During all these years, Josef Fritzl continued to live in the pavilion with his wife.