JOSEF FRITZL LOSES THIRD BID FOR EARLY RELEASE FROM PRISON

Austrian judges have rejected Josef Fritzl's latest attempt to win early release from prison, marking the third time his bid for freedom has failed. The ruling means Fritzl, convicted of imprisoning and repeatedly raping his daughter, is set to remain behind bars for the rest of his life. His lawyer, Astrid Wagner, said medical evidence presented to the court showed Fritzl is now in the advanced stages of dementia and is no longer considered dangerous. Judges rejected the application regardless. Wagner said she would continue fighting for his release and is preparing a further application for 2027.

Fritzl was jailed for life in 2009 after building a secret cellar beneath his family home in Amstetten, Austria, where he held his daughter, Elisabeth, captive for 24 years. He lured her into the cellar in August 1984, when she was 18, drugged her and locked her behind a series of reinforced doors. He repeatedly raped her over the following decades and fathered seven children with her. One of the children died in infancy after being left without care. The abuse came to light in 2008, leading to Fritzl's arrest. His wife was unaware of the cellar's existence throughout the ordeal.

Wagner, who said she has faced death threats for defending Fritzl, argued that he has served his sentence, apologised for his crimes and complied with all conditions imposed on him. "This is about justice. This is Austria. And here we must apply the rule of law - Austrian law," she said. She added that Fritzl "also deserves and is entitled by law to a second chance." Wagner confirmed she intends to lodge a fresh bid for his release in 2027.