Austrian court rejects Josef Fritzl’s third bid for early release

Josef Fritzl has been denied early release for a third time, despite medical evidence that he has advanced dementia and is no longer considered dangerous. The Austrian court’s decision means the 91-year-old, who is serving a life sentence, is likely to remain in prison for the rest of his life.

Fritzl was jailed in 2009 for raping and imprisoning his daughter Elisabeth in a hidden cellar for 24 years, during which she gave birth to seven children. His lawyer, Astrid Wagner, says she will make another bid for his release in 2027, arguing that he has served his sentence, apologised and completed therapy.