The trial of a now 13-year-old, who is said to have been locked in a dog box and tortured by his mother in the Waldviertel, continued on Tuesday at the Krems regional court. The social worker who intervened to ensure that the boy was hospitalized in November 2022 and survived had his say on Tuesday.
On November 22, 2022, the social worker had a “confused and strange phone call” in the evening with the second defendant, whom she had heard regarding for the first time. The 40-year-old reported on the phone that she had been sent a video in which the 12-year-old might be seen “in a worrying condition.” The social worker decided to go to the first defendant’s apartment with the 40-year-old.
“I’m very scared”
The situation on site was “just surreal and bizarre,” said the witness: “I am very frightened.” The boy was unresponsive and was lying on the floor. “It was definitely clear he needed help.” After repeated demands from the social worker – most recently “loudly and sharply” – the mother called the rescue team. “Mechanically,” as “as if she were ordering a pizza.” A main issue for the first defendants was whether the child’s condition might “return to them,” said the social worker. “There was nothing more. There was no emotionality.”
Precarious health condition
She didn’t get any thanks from her mother: “I had the impression that she was annoyed.” Pediatrician Hans Salzer, who examined the boy at the request of the Krems public prosecutor’s office following he was taken to the hospital, reported that his health was very precarious, especially at the beginning. The boy is currently doing well once more physically. Verdicts are scheduled for Thursday.
Video: The trial began on Monday at the Krems regional court with great media interest
