Elisabeth Fritzl Begins Testimony [and updated news on her children]

Shadmia's World ^ | July 14, 2008 | shadmia

[BillyBoy]

Per freeper request, I'm back with another update on this sad story. This probably the first concrete "news" I've posted here in a month. It seems like getting updates on how this case is evolving is harder than getting blood out of a turnip.

There was some news a few weeks ago reporting that Kerstin Fritzl is doing well and is able to walk and communicate normally -- even expressing a desire to go on boat ride and to a Robbie Williams concert -- but I never posted the update.

[Jean S]

“So in order to accommodate her wishes, all of her testimony is being videotaped so that she will not be forced to confront him in court.”

This is b.s. Have you read the 6th amendment to the Constitution?

[denydenydeny]

This is b.s. Have you read the 6th amendment to the Constitution?

What on earth does that have to do with this case?

[Jean S]

n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

---------I don't think video tape counts.

[Jean S]

What on earth does that have to do with this case?

He has the legal right under the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to confront any witnesses against him during his trial. How does one confront a video?

[maro]

Deutschland is not America, fraulein.

[Reddy]

Um... this case is in AUSTRIA.

[PLMerite]

Austria’s not America either, mein Herr.

:)

[Ray'sBeth]

And why in the world would this man have legal rights under the US constitution when he is Austrian?

[Huntress]

Oesterreich ist nicht Deutschland. ;-)

[kittymyrib]

And you are aware that this sad case is in AUSTRIA...so the US Constitution does not apply?
Read.

[BillyBoy]

>> This is b.s. Have you read the 6th amendment to the Constitution? <<

Yes, indeed. I was not aware that the U.S. Constitution governed Austrian law. Are they the new 51st state? ;-)

[BillyBoy]

I think the mods made a mistake. You put "Australia" (the land down under) in parenthesis on my thread title when the case is taking place in AUSTRIA.

No wonder Jean S is confused. ;-)

[BillyBoy]

Fritzl Family Ping!

For all the freepers who, like me, want to hear updates on the family's recovery.

=============================================

Please keep Elisabeth Fritzl and her children in your thoughts and prayers.

Fritzl Family Ping!

For all the freepers who, like me, want to hear updates on the family's recovery.

=============================================

Please keep Elisabeth Fritzl and her children in your thoughts and prayers.

[Jean S]

"And you are aware that this sad case is in AUSTRIA...so the US Constitution does not apply?"

My error, sorry. It's sad that they don't have a Constitution like ours. She can say whatever she likes on the video and he or his council can't challenge or question her.

[BillyBoy]

I really shouldn't have to spell out what country it is either, considering the article ITSELF mentions the case is taking place in Austria 3 or 4 times, including having "Austria law" bolded at least once.

Not to mention the people interviewed have names like "Erich Huber-Guensthofer"

[Jean S]

No need to get snippy. You originally posted this in the news forum. I’m certain that I wasn’t the only one who assumed this was U.S. news.

It’s now been moved to chat.

[Greysard]

She can say whatever she likes on the video and he or his council can't challenge or question her.

The cited article is actually clear on this subject:

Defense lawyer Rudolf Mayer is allowed to ask questions, but his client, Josef Fritzl, who is also entitled to attend, has waived his right to be there.

So the Austrian legal system is not so strange as it may seem to be; this interview, done in presence of a judge, looks like a very reasonable arrangement.

[Jean S]

So the Austrian legal system is not so strange as it may seem to be; this interview, done in presence of a judge, looks like a very reasonable arrangement.

You're right, it does. Maybe we should repeal the 6th Amendment.

[Perdogg]

Pat Buchanan would disagree. :-4