Antrag abgelehnt! Bleibt Josef Fritzl nun doch bis zu seinem Tod in Haft?

Austria's most notorious prisoner is making headlines once again. Eight weeks after the "Plea for Criminals" caused a stir and outrage far beyond Austria's borders with the news that the incestuous father from Amstetten could be released early, the situation has taken a turn: The Krems Regional Court has rejected the application for release in the first instance – Josef Fritzl (90) will remain in custody for the time being. His lawyer, Astrid Wagner, has filed an appeal with the Vienna Higher Regional Court. "Josef Fritzl also deserves a second chance," declared star lawyer Astrid Wagner in August – and applied for her client's general conditional release. This decision was met with incomprehension by many and brought Wagner massive criticism and even death threats. The court in Krems apparently sees things differently and has now rejected the application in the first instance. The judge's reasoning: The delusions of the now 90-year-old, dementia-stricken prisoner are still directed against members of his former family. Further offenses by Fritzl cannot be ruled out. In the fourth podcast episode about the Josef Fritzl case, Astrid Wagner explains what she hopes to achieve with her appeal to the Higher Regional Court of Vienna and why the incestuous father from Amstetten, who imprisoned and tortured his daughter in the cellar for over 24 years and fathered seven children with her, still "deserves a second chance." Police and court reporter Michael Koch has his doubts and, as usual, puts the defense attorney through her paces with a critical eye. Be sure to listen: The big Fritzl update in "A Plea for Criminals" – available wherever you get your podcasts. Definitely worth a listen: The big Fritzl update in "A Plea for Criminals" – available wherever you get your podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 The first setback: Astrid Wagner's reaction to the rejection 04:18 Why Josef Fritzl is no longer dangerous according to the expert opinion 06:22 Fritzl's current delusions and lost ability to plan 11:07 Judicial prevention and Fritzl's impeccable conduct during his incarceration 13:59 The vicious cycle: Why release preparation was neglected 17:24 The judge's role in evaluating expert opinions 20:25 The appeal to the Higher Regional Court and the necessity of an adult guardianship 23:52 Public outrage, sense of justice, and the limits of the justice system 30:59 Josef Fritzl's human dignity and the conclusion of the discussion