The Shocking Case of Josef Fritzl: Could He Be Released? | This Morning

He’s one of the most notorious criminals in history. But last week, an Austrian court approved the transfer of Josef Fritzl from a special security unit to a regular jail - 15 years since his horrific crimes were uncovered. The court came to the conclusion that 88-year-old Fritzl is ‘no longer dangerous’, based on the finding of a new psychiatric report - and on the grounds of his old age and onset of dementia. With some speculating the news paves the way to his ultimate release, we'll be discussing the story with criminologist David Wilson.
Broadcast on 31/01/2024
Subscribe to This Morning for more exclusive videos: bit.ly/1JM41yF
FOLLOW US:
/ thismorning
/ thismorning
/ thismorning
MORE ABOUT THIS MORNING:
Welcome to the official This Morning Channel! Join us every weekday from 10am on ITV1 and STV as we discuss the latest news stories, meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the biggest names in Hollywood, get the latest fashion & beauty trends, and cook up a storm in our kitchen with your favourite chefs!
And did we mention we have quite a few laughs along the way too?
#ThisMorning

[@oljag13]

He should remain in prison for the rest of his life.

[@katem86]

Came here to say this!

[@aisoconcranberriesu2as]

Obviously

[@davedavids57]

It's basically because the Austrian prison system doesn't have dementia units. It would be the same problem in any small prison system. However if he is released to an outside public dementia unit. Often they are actually still detain the patients for there own safety.

[@harryn1602]

Thanks for that profound insight, captain obvious 🤡

[@sanders7789]

If he’s released justice system is well and truly stuffed. Life sentence is the only proper punishment

[@juliefrost8079]

I can’t imagine anything as cruel, horrific and terrifying this poor girl was subjected to - it’s incomprehensible! He must never, ever be released!

[@wickedwitchoftheeast88]

He should serve life for what he did to his daughter and I certainly don't believe he mother didn't know how on earth could she not have noticed? Shopping for 10 people is something you notice, surely she realised where he was spending all his time and didn't once investigate why?

[@CaptainBollocks....]

The first red flag is the building of that "basement" IMO @@wickedwitchoftheeast88

[@rachael2908]

Poor girl and the children as a result. She suffered for 24 years (and continues) and he gets out in 15 years. Wow. No justice served.

[@matildauebel7599]

There is absolutely no way they will relese him thought. Can you imagine the uproar it would cause.

[@FC-hj9ub]

Austria released a murderer before ​@@matildauebel7599. It's not the first time

[@FC-hj9ub]

​@@matildauebel7599he'll probably die there anyway

[@conorsmith8551]

I mean , there’s the possibility he will be released in 15 years because I presume he’s up for parole? But he won’t be released

[@ninjapirate123]

they said he could be released not definitely

[@FeelinErie]

That MONSTER should be put UNDER THE JAIL!!!

[@JMartinez351]

Alright Hank!

[@Black1968Sabbath]

He didn't even stay in prison for as long as he kept his daughter prisoner 🤦🏻‍♂️.

[@apgx6032]

Has he really got dementia? I wouldn’t be surprised he has studied it and now acting it out for his advantage.

[@eddiebrown9701]

Dont think he could alter a brain scan tbf

[@apgx6032]

@@eddiebrown9701 True you can not alter a brain scan. However, it depends on the type of dementia as to what will show up on a scan. My late mother had vascular dementia whereby a scan could not identify vascular dementia by itself, but was used along with other information such as verbal tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

[@christopher399]

He turns 90 next year. I can't say it's difficult for me to believe he's got dementia. And unless the people diagnosing are incompetent, they would be very difficult to fool. They are experts who do this for a living, so it's not as if you are going to attempt to trick someone who read a Wikipedia page about dementia. And if it gets to the point where they release him into a nursing home, it's probably not going to be based on one person's opinion. It will likely be based on multiple experts' opinions.

[@fraukie1598]

He is in his late 80s. Being in good health is way more rare at that age. Also.. I am not sure if getting out now is a big or even great thing for him. I guess it is safe to say that he has no family or friends lining up to take him in and care for him. So.. if he is released, he will end up in some retirement home, not an expensive one and it will be impossible to put him there with a new identity so that volunteers are eager to spend time with him. Keep him in prison, let him out.. doesn't matter anymore his life/how he spends his days won't even change.

[@dyawr]

​@@fraukie1598 He has legally changed his name and its a secret...

[@KDL1464]

I am Austrian and I Hope he is never released. He is extremely cunning.

[@dyawr]

Exactly

[@haileeraestout5567]

I Think Elizabeth Should Face Her Fear And Quit Hiding From Him Its NOT Gonna Help Her And It'll Become Worse Then It Has And She Needs To Ask God For FORGIVENESS

[@user-nireanic-0]

Why is Austria so infamous for having so many monsters?!

[@dyawr]

@@haileeraestout5567 Excuse me?

[@WalterLambertWhite]

​@@user-nireanic-0 I see what you did there 😂

[@kimberley9410]

They produced children through this 'incestuous relationship'!!! This implies some form of mutual agreement. WTH. It wasn't a relationship. The poor, poor girl was viciously assaulted over and over again.

[@alexcanfor-dumas1463]

My thoughts exactly. It was an horrendous, abusive crime.

[@outoforbit00]

I agree, unbelievable that criminal psychologist described it as a relationship. Sick.

[@conorsmith8551]

Poor choice of words , he should have said abuse alright . Think he would admit that afterwards when he hears it back

[@MrsDaedalus_]

As an Austrian citizen, I am appalled! You can't release someone, who has done horrific things to their own daughter for over 20 years. I vividly remember all of it, even though I was a little kid, when he got locked up. We don't need him in our society, he needs to stay where he belongs.

[@minimezz1998]

He should be locked in a room on his own for the rest of his life. No human contact and no sunlight

[@Teemo147]

If there were justice he would

[@luvuyonobadula40]

What's frightening is that if it hadn't been discovered, she would probably still be in there to this day. And now he has dementia... He could have totally forgotten, meaning that she and her children would have died in that basement. He must never be released.

[@conorsmith8551]

You’d wonder if this dementia is an excuse to get released but who knows

[@Sawk_King]

Throw away the key!! One of the most unhinged cases in recent years. It's just unfathomable

[@haileeraestout5567]

No Its Times She Steps Out Of The Shadows And FACES Her Father I Cant Imagine It NAGGING At Her

[@joshuavandenbergh]

I believe this is one of the few cases where capital punishment is justified.

[@Teemo147]

No he should have been locking in solitary indefinitely

[@paddynesbitt1538]

How that man can ever be considered for release is beyond me.

[@Jo10371]

His daughter will never be free in her own head so why should he ever be released

[@haileeraestout5567]

She Will Have To Face Her Dad And Talk To Him

[@JAWS-qj1rj]

​@@haileeraestout5567Why will she?

[@lottie3853]

It doesnt matter if hes 'no longer dangerous' he needs to stay in prison because of the demonic things he has done

[@hatetheusername]

yup. prison is a punishment not a rehab. he should be locked up for life

[@user-ms3jz7ub7n]

There were times when the creep Josef left his daughter and her "their" children for weeks at a time to go on vacation with little food or water in that man made dungeon. Truly evil...

[@crzycolchris]

dude just living his best life... knowing dang well his dark secret under his feet...

[@flufwix]

He should never be released. He’s truly evil

[@tashaax1993xanimalloverx]

Still dont believe the wife never knew...never knew there was her daugher kept prisoner under her own house..

[@capet5593]

Keep him locked up

[@thomasnewton8997]

I don't believe you can rehabilitate someone like friz

[@christinakalaniechols7546]

If he gets released, which I really hope he doesn't... I hope he gets taken care of right quickly.

[@christopher399]

In a nursing home? If he's got dementia so severe that he doesn't remember anything, just let the professionals care for him for his last days. He deserves life in prison, but if he's got dementia and doesn't even remember what he did, then I don't see any use of keeping him in a prison cell. Might as well put him in a nursing home.

[@NonanoN-er6de]

​@@christopher399 taken care of (in this context) meant being put underneath - unalived

[@user-qj5hv6gg5w]

I remember this case it scared me and I was in my late 20s could never imagine something like this happening until this story came to light.

[@liamoreilly783]

I remember the policeman was in tears at the looks on the children's faces as they rode in the police cars as they had never seen natural light or buildings etc

[@kerrytakaira]

Let him rot in prison for the rest of him life.

[@456coolkid1]

I do wonder what is the attitude in Austrian prisons regarding criminals that commit offences similar to Fritzl’s, as we know that in UK and US prisons those criminals are the bottom of the pile.

[@chalkiememe4183]

That’s a good and interesting point.

[@modelbashir2365]

in america he would be dead. even if given life in prison child abusers are usually the target of prison violence, even guards might turn a blind eye. not seperating inmates from general population.

[@davidthomson3592]

Why is the woman grinning when talking about these appalling crimes

[@susanfifi285]

I wondered that too. She's a terrible presenter, annoying that she interrupts all the time

[@anne9530]

'It' is a disgusting being. What would have happened if he died in those 24 years he kept her in his prison. No one knew they were under the house! Pure evil should not have a break.

[@lindamcwilliams3377]

I would love an update on how Elizebeth and the kids are doing now. I hope they are doing well and living a happy and healthy life.

[@harryt5021]

They gotta be witness protection, no one will know where they apart from the austrian government

[@haileeraestout5567]

@@harryt5021 Send Her To The US And Shes OK

[@lindamcwilliams3377]

@@Swed813 thank you. I had heard that Elizabeth had married. I hope they are all healthy and happy now.

[@simoncross40K]

The fact he lied about the children when they escaped and the police believed him, he was seen as a local hero for a while.

[@lynettejoubert4291]

The devil he should stay in jail for life....

[@JenniferWoolley]

Horrific, a main question that wasn't asked. What ever happened to his wife and did she not suspect anything at all, over the years.

[@BigGollum1]

Crazy that he would see the light of the sun but his daughter never saw it for 24 years

[@maxcullen3427]

Great conversation about an awful crime

[@d8456]

Even the worst case of dementia there is you won't ever forget what you done

[@carlosbent5046]

His own Daughter,😢 Sick 🤢

[@BeckyMD26]

He should be locked up forever! His poor daughter and her children went through so so much. She shouldn’t have to fear for her life and neither should her children

[@AlastorIsIThyRadioDemon]

NO DO NOT RELEASE HIM!!!

[@cam-hz4yl]

I've never trusted anyone who has a secrete dungeon!!!

[@revanth3508]

The lady anchor should stop interrupting.

[@RustyIndustrial-zl9jk]

I discovered this case right today and I couldn't believe my eyes...

[@littlephoot6931]

I'm telling you now, if he gets out, he won't live long. God loves a good samaritan/vigilante..

[@randyrustybuts9566]

I don't know what's worse the Josef Fritzl story or the fact that these two presenters are so inarticulate they couldn't string a coherent sent together if they tried

[@no._.177]

He should rot in prison.

[@juanpablobadino4349]

Very interesting. Thank you very much for uploading. Much love to all the victims.

[@deb-1558]

That poor young woman 😢

[@grungekiid]

I remember whwn it came to light. Devastated

[@sofiahabtemariam6628]

This is beyond words and I agree he should not be released!

[@megan_g_]

I pray this doesn’t REtraumatize Elizabeth & her children… PRAYING for them 🙏🏽

[@ellenmahon6284]

My question where her mum in all this

[@roseblackgoku]

Her mother didn't know

[@sunitabagha4938]

He should be kept in prison!!!!!! I dnt care if he’s old got dementia etc! He did less time in prison then his daughter did! What is wrong with the system!!!! That poor girl needs her kids what they all went through!!!!! I thought he would have died in prison! Shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Da1Dez]

You know you're getting old when people who work at This Morning have never heard of this monster.

[@SourRobbo]

Your man being interviewed loves the opportunity to pronounce Austrian towns & roads on TV 😂

[@cailtegreen7764]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@janiap5235]

Contd....I had his cleverness too late now, but enjoy all with him. Thank you

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I’m afraid not because he assaulted his own daughter he should be locked up behind bars for the rest of his life with no chance of getting out

[@deanmcveigh7803]

Thought that was him on the sofa for a minute.

[@merle-wq9ir]

Good grief noooo. This man should never see the outside world again. How can this be?!

[@elisa7881]

How about his wife?

[@leesevern8042]

The male host is freaking me out as much as Fritzl. What’s goin on with him & that look.

[@dullsearake]

He brings shame to all Australians 😢

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

Wrong country, it's Austria.

[@blackthecsr]

All of humanity

[@alicianelson1252]

He didn't release his daughter he shouldn't be released

[@claireduncan138]

I thought he was dead if not he should be he shouldn't be released he's not safe

[@MrGoldie1976]

Great duo doing this programme 😂😂

[@HAZBINHOTELFAN748]

when did this happen!?

[@dyawr]

It hasn't happened yet, the Vienna Higher Regional Court overturned this decision, last month. But he can still succeed if he meets some criteria..

[@laurakinsella1692]

Dementia doesn't always make you safe your living in the past

[@briandoherty245]

If it was a film you wouldnt believe it

[@ryanwebb9710]

He is pure evil should never ever be aloud out . Physco . Made me feel sick just listening to what he did and where is his wife she must be evil to

[@lolai3823]

i think he was abusive towards her too and she had no idea about the basement because she wasn’t allowed down there

[@ameeruddinsyed3858]

Waste of Austrian tax payers money. I pity them...

[@thomasfy4]

This “criminologist” has had several wild theories and hasn’t had very much success. He’s perpetually seen as an expert when he isn’t.

[@melonycrumpet]

I agree with you

[@CaptainBollocks....]

" he keeps her there for 24 years and when she reaches the age of 18..." No idea who he is, but mathematically this statement of his just didn't add up lol

[@x0-kai-0x]

If he’s let out I’m going into jail

[@Pinkis_simo]

Is insane...

[@user-mx8wz8gf4e]

He should be in the prison forever.

[@skrq9167]

No. No. Life for life. Trauma is life imprisonment.

[@Hafizahatun]

Where was the mom?

[@88INVINCIBLE]

Be strong Elisabeth! I'm so sorry...

[@arjan6804]

Punishment that this devil got is too lineant, considering the gravity of the crime he commited. Austria should get advise from UAE about his punishment.

[@RB-pq9ld]

I wonder if in Rylan’s wildest dreams he ever thought he’d be interviewing professor David Wilson about Josef Fritzl?

[@bonnieharris4538]

I'm guessing no

[@myyoot]

Locked up for life it shouldn’t even be debatable

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Dementia or not that disgusting excuse for a human being should never be paroled , only way Austrian government etc allow him out is on his death. Problem then which Funeral director will want to deal with his dead body, he certainly doesn't deserve a marked grave , obviously has to be cremated with no1 attending. Glad everything has worked out well for Elizabeth, i actually read the book written by an Austrian journalist on the extremely horrendous case.

[@strwbbyshortcake]

he deserves no hospice at all. let him rot in prison for the rest of his life

[@Anima_Gacha]

When did this happend?

[@dyawr]

It hasn't happened yet, the Vienna Higher Regional Court overturned this decision, last month. But he can still succeed if he meets some criteria..

[@honiej00n75]

3 stars of solomon over the bed in that basement

[@TS3615]

Wonder what the news/media be like when he goes aka dies.

[@imemine8605]

Hes not actually going to get out the austrian justice sytem knows how the world would view that. Obviously him been released is mental

[@zamzamwater8749]

He also killed one of the babies that he fathered with his daughter

[@revanth3508]

No . Disposed of the body when the poor baby passed away .

[@zamzamwater8749]

@@revanth3508 the baby died as a result of him denying him medical care, so yes he killed the baby and then abused the corpse.

[@reisschancellor9753]

Huh I thought he died?

[@funk0rz]

is the thing on the left a ken doll?

[@TransitionedToAShark]

No one who does that should ever be released. Also this host is cringe who is he dang!!

[@CaptainBollocks....]

Not to take away from the story, but he said " he keeps her there for 24 years and when she reaches the age of 18..." The maths is just not adding up in this statement

[@marktownsend1982]

From the age of 18. She was 42 when she got out.

[@CaptainBollocks....]

It's been a while since the story came up - he imprisoned her when she was 18? Oh i see! Thanks for the clarification 👍@@marktownsend1982

[@Doire1992]

Send him to a normal prison. Someone will get him in there.

[@davidmccaffrey4020]

Unfortunately, there is no true justice that can be served here. I feel so sorry for her and, most of all, her children. They need a lot of love with tender love and care. They must feel so isolated and angry and carry so much buried pain. He completely ruined a lot of peoples lives, and it's likely that he certainly is a psychopath. He must have been born that way. Whether he has dementia or not, i really don't think it matters in any way at all. He is an unrecognisable creature that will be hard for anyone to truly understand. He is completely and very easily disposable. I doubt he even feels physical or emotional pain within himself. I just hope Austrian psychologists/criminologists have learned a thing or two from in person observations of him.

[@modelbashir2365]

The last basitian of human justice is here in florida and texas. he would get his punishment.

[@TextBookPuncher1]

I’m getting Enoch Powell vibe

[@fatdragon3616]

I dont know who that female presenter is... but it would be great if she stopped talking over everyone.

[@joleneannturner7785]

She does it all the time when presenting This morning. She is so desperate for fame.

[@susanfifi285]

She's terrible at her job , I can't watch her

[@patinazir8673]

I believe that his wife knew everything but maybe he threatened her not to tell anyone

[@kingoverseas9052]

He has dementia. Whether he is released or not, his life is over.

[@susanfifi285]

Those two inarticulate muppet presenters are awfull

[@GraveYardShift90]

Wish i never saw his face

[@cmistryreeves]

Disgusting

[@rigobertoperez7193]

Why would he do that to his OWN kid??

[@jde9711]

Death sentence

[@blackthecsr]

Only right!

[@utdhawx11]

Yes I agree