Austria Squirms as Fritzel Receives Psychological Care

[Andrew49]

The authorities in Sankt Poelten are making the most of their the sleepy,
baroque town's misfortune in being the venue for perhaps the most
grotesque trial in Austria's history.

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Josef Fritzl, on trial after imprisoning and raping his daughter over 24 years,
has been assigned a psychologist to keep him from committing suicide, an
official says. "The prison assigned a psychiatrist to Josef F weeks before
the trial," Erich Huber-Guensthofer, deputy director of Sankt Poelten
prison, told a press conference on Tuesday. "He is accompanying him
(Fritzl) during the trial and is available for talks during trial breaks and
after the day's proceedings.

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[stewiegriffin]

What should they do ? Put him in stocks and throw cabbages at him ? He is a bit nuts afterall .

[evercloserunion]

I wouldn't like to be the one charged with the task of talking Fritzl out of killing himself.

[cyberianpan]

It is not clear how much of mad or bad he is. His actions are clearly very bad.

Until the trial is over, and due process decides how much mad or bad he is: it's prudent that he receive care.

Also if it transpires that he is mostly bad: then I would suggest donating him to medical science.

cYp

[perprojustice]

I suppose he needs one at this stage. A bit late but necessary. It may help to get to the root of the reason for doing what he has done and this in turn may help identify others who may be on the same mission.

I think that the enormity of what he has done is only now being realised by him. This is evident from the fact that previously he did not hide his face and now he hides behind a binder cover in shame.

[Andrew49]

He can't be insane, in the medical sense, after all he's able to plead innocence or guilt ?

[Christine Murray]

maybe its par for the course to ensure that he doesn't suicide until he faces his child in court. her chance to give testimony and watch him get justice may be a healing thing. lts a powerful thing in a process of recovery to be heard in that arena. she should not be denied that if he attempts suicide.

[fionnmccool]

He built a bunker to keep his captives locked up in. That requires a measure of sanity and planning in order to premeditate and organise. During every step of his evil planned actions he had the choice to stop. He managed to fool all his neighbours, friends and colleagues (if he had them) outside in the real world for years. That also requires some measure of sanity so how would he be insane ? My verdict would be that of 'manipulating psychopath.' I just wonder how the legal system anywhere as it exists currently can provide a deterrent for these people ?

[Christine Murray]

thus ensuring redress is imperative, no good if he suicides..,

[Andrew49]

Sometimes though acting humanely can seem an insult to survivors ......

Abuser's treatment cost outstrips