Authorities in Austria are investigating a 32-year-old woman for the alleged attempted murder and torture of her 12-year-old son. The shocking case came to light recently and has sparked widespread outrage in the country. The woman has been in pre-trial detention in Krems, located northwest of Vienna, since November.

The alarm was raised by a social worker, and when authorities arrived, they found the child comatose and suffering from hypothermia. The father, who lives separately, had reportedly tipped off the authorities. The boy, who had been subjected to months of torture, was severely malnourished and had a body temperature of just 26.8°C. He was immediately taken to the hospital, and the mother was arrested the following day.

According to police spokesman Johann Baumschlager, the woman is suspected of locking her son in a small dog cage, exposing him to sub-zero temperatures, and depriving him of food. She allegedly doused him with cold water multiple times a day while keeping the apartment’s windows open for several hours in freezing temperatures. The physical health of the boy has since improved, but he continues to suffer severe psychological trauma.

In late May, the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the woman’s complaint against her prolonged custody. The investigation is ongoing and is expected to continue until late summer, at which point a decision regarding an indictment will be made.

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