Observations of a News Junkie

Josef Fritzl’s trial began today.

He has been charged with rape, incest, imprisonment and enslavery after it was discovered he kept his daughter in a cellar for over two decades. Fritzl claims he had an abusive childhood and horrible relationship with his mother, which, if true, obviously had some impact on his later decisions. Not that it’s an excuse; he’s already pled guilty to most of the charges except murder and enslavement. The prosecuter is hoping to send him to a centre for the criminally insane – for life.

A verdict is expected on Friday, after Fritzl’s daughter Elisabeth’s statement is shown: 11 hours of taped testimony.

I can’t imagine being involved in this trial. There is so much media covering every little disturbing detail. Being an impartial juror would be incredibly difficult. The only thing harder, I think, would be defending the Austrian.