Josef Fritzl’s crimes shocked the world when they were discovered in 2008. For over 24 years, he kept his daughter, Elisabeth, locked in a dark, damp basement beneath their family home. Fritzl repeatedly raped her, fathering seven children with her. One of the children died shortly after birth, and Fritzl disposed of the body. The other children remained with their mother in the cellar, isolated from the outside world.
The story of Fritzl’s crimes became widely known after one of the children needed medical attention, leading to their rescue. Elisabeth and her children were finally freed, but the lasting impact of Fritzl’s actions would be felt for years to come. In 2009, Fritzl was sentenced to life in prison for his heinous crimes, including incest, rape, false imprisonment, and homicide.
Josef Fritzl Claims Friendship with Donald Trump
Despite his horrifying crimes, Josef Fritzl claims he is friends with US President Donald Trump. His lawyer, Astrid Wagner, says Fritzl believes Trump sends him secret messages through hand signals during TV press conferences. Fritzl, now 90 years old, has dementia, which has led to delusions. He thinks Trump’s hand movements are signals meant for him alone, updating him on Trump’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fritzl’s delusions have been a concern for his lawyer, who argues that his condition is worsening. Despite being locked away for life, Fritzl still believes in these fantasies.
Worsening Health and Delusions
Fritzl’s health continues to decline as his dementia progresses. He is increasingly confused about what is real and what is not. In addition to his belief in secret messages from Trump, Fritzl also thinks the applause he hears on TV is for him. He watches folk music shows and believes the Austrian public is clapping for him. In reality, he is still serving his sentence in the psychiatric unit at Stein prison in Austria.
His lawyer says that regular prison is no longer suitable for him. Fritzl needs specialized care that can only be provided in a dementia care facility. The court had previously decided to transfer him to a regular prison, but Wagner insists that this decision should be reconsidered due to his worsening health.
Fritzl’s Plans for Life After Prison
Even though he is in prison, Fritzl is already planning for life after his sentence. He has asked his lawyer to help him find a remote property in the Austrian countryside, one that has a cellar. Fritzl believes he needs the cellar to store the many files and folders he has collected over the years.
His lawyer says Fritzl is determined that his future home must have a cellar. Despite his crimes and his old age, Fritzl is fixated on this detail. Wagner explains that Fritzl is becoming frailer as he approaches his 90th birthday, but his focus on life after prison remains.
Fantasy of a Hero’s Welcome
Fritzl also imagines that, if he is ever released from prison, he will be welcomed by crowds of people cheering for him. He believes that people will want to shake his hand and celebrate his freedom. Wagner calls this belief a fantasy. In reality, Fritzl’s release would likely be met with outrage and disbelief.
His lawyer believes that Fritzl does not fully understand the public’s view of him. She says he is living in a delusion, clinging to the idea that people will celebrate him, despite the monstrous crimes he committed.
The Lasting Impact of Fritzl’s Crimes
Fritzl’s crimes left a deep scar on society. In 1984, Elisabeth Fritzl disappeared at the age of 18. For the next 24 years, she was trapped in the basement of their home. During this time, Fritzl repeatedly raped her, resulting in seven children. One child died shortly after birth, and Fritzl disposed of the body. Three other children remained with Elisabeth in the cellar, never seeing the outside world until they were finally rescued.
Fritzl’s crimes were discovered when one of the children fell ill, prompting him to seek medical help. The rescue of Elisabeth and her children brought an end to their suffering but left lasting psychological scars. Fritzl was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes, which included incest, rape, false imprisonment, and homicide.
