Warning: This content contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion is advised.
AMSTETTEN, AUSTRIA: Josef Fritzl, the imprisoned Austrian man who kept his daughter captive in a cellar and fathered her children, has expressed his desire for freedom and to see his family again. In his first interview from prison, Fritzl stated that he hopes to live to be 130 years old. His desire for freedom has been deemed delusional given the severity of his crimes.
Through his lawyer Astrid Wagner, Josef Fritzl revealed his strict daily fitness routine to prepare himself for potential release from prison and his desire to reunite with his family, whom he kept captive underground for 24 years, in an interview with The Sun. Fritzl's statement, which was delivered in a meandering manner, included disturbing claims that he would one day see his family again. He said, "I definitely believe that I am going to see them again one day."
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Josef Fritzl believes he will be released from prison
Fritzl provided details of his routine in Stein prison in Krems an der Donau, which he described as grim. However, he remained optimistic and defiant, believing that he will eventually be released from prison. Describing the daily rigours of his diet and exercise plan, he revealed, "Everyday I start with a coffee. I have to have this to wake up properly, then this is quickly followed by a cup of hot cocoa. After this I have tea, and eat three eggs, a piece of toast with ham, and also a sausage and cheese spread, and I make sure to take vitamin C tablets, and magnesium and zinc."
Fritzl, who is understood to be suffering with dementia, added, "I also drink lots of water throughout the day. I recently read that it has been scientifically proven that human beings can actually live to 150 if they eat well and exercise. So I want to live to 130 - that’s my plan." Despite being imprisoned for life, Fritzl expressed a desire to reconcile with his ex-wife, who he claims is still his wife despite their divorce over a decade ago.
'I want to experience freedom one day'
Fritzl also shockingly admitted that he understands why people would want him to die in jail. Fritzl, who now requires a rollator trolley to walk, revealed these details in a letter, according to Viennese newspaper Heute. "I do understand people who want me to die in jail. But I want to experience freedom one day. I've never been afraid of dying." Fritzl reportedly avoids walking in the jail yard "because there are a few prisoners just waiting to be able to beat me up."
Josef Fritzl, who worked as an electrical engineer, held his daughter Elisabeth captive in a cellar for 24 years and repeatedly raped her, resulting in the birth of seven children. It's believed that he also has other children from affairs he had during business trips abroad. In 2009, he was given a life sentence after being found guilty of charges including rape, incest, false imprisonment, enslavement, and the negligent homicide of one of his children.
