The Courts found the applicant in default for not meeting their responsibilities under Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

The Courts found the applicant in default for not meeting their responsibilities under Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

Austrian Court Considers Request for Release of Josef Fritzl

Josef Fritzl, the 90-year-old Austrian man serving a life sentence for imprisoning, raping, and fathering children with his daughter, has once again requested early release. His lawyer, Astrid Wagner, filed the application in August 2025, and it is currently under review by the Regional Court in Krems.

Fritzl was initially sentenced in 2009 for his heinous crimes, which included manslaughter, rape, coercion, slavery, and incest. Over the next 24 years, he raped his daughter thousands of times and fathered seven children with her. One of these children died shortly after birth.

Despite spending over 15 years in prison, Fritzl's previous requests for early release have been denied. This is due to concerns about the risk of reoffending and his lack of readiness for life outside prison. The courts have expressed that Fritzl's high criminal energy and lack of preparation for freedom remain significant issues.

Fritzl's case is further complicated by his deteriorating health and reports of dementia-like symptoms. In 2024, courts debated transferring him from psychiatric detention to regular prison, making him eligible for parole. However, release decisions continue to be scrutinized given the nature of his crimes and public safety considerations.

Wagner has expressed hope that Fritzl could one day enjoy simple freedoms, such as visiting a coffee house and "smelling the air of freedom for the first time." She also mentioned that Fritzl's dementia has changed his personality.

As the courts consider Fritzl's latest application, the outcome remains uncertain. The public and the victims' families will be closely watching the decision, given the gravity of Fritzl's crimes and the potential impact on society.

Key points:

• Fritzl is 90, serving life for severe crimes against his daughter.
• His latest request for early release was filed in August 2025.
• Courts have previously denied release, citing risk and lack of readiness.
• Fritzl suffers from health issues, including possible dementia.
• Transfer from psychiatric to regular prison has made parole eligibility possible.
• The public safety and severity of crimes weigh heavily in decisions.
• The outcome of this latest request is still pending.

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