Motionless and silent he still wants to be in charge

As he was led into a packed courtroom in a provincial town west of Vienna he stayed hidden behind a blue file binder, refusing to remove it or answer questions.

He even kept it over his face as the judge formally opened proceedings.

Wearing black shoes, grey trousers, a checked grey jacket, dark shirt and blue striped tie, Fritzl came into the courtroom at 9.30am flanked by six policemen. It is the first time the world has seen him since his arrest in April last year.

Under Austrian law, the media are allowed to ask questions before court proceedings begin. There are about 200 journalists in St Poelten for the trial but fewer than 100 were allowed in court.

Fritzl was asked how he felt about imprisoning his daughter for 24 years in a soundproof cellar, if he took responsibility for her 3,000 rapes and if he had remorse for his crimes, which led to seven children being born in the secret dungeon.

He remained silent and motionless, ignoring the questions before the judge and jury entered the courtroom. Only after the camera crews were sent out did he lower the ring binder and place it on the desk in front of him.

Opening today's session, the judge, 48-year-old Andrea Humer, who specialises in cases involving sex crimes, explained the charges against Fritzl and, in a composed voice, Fritzl spoke to give his name and other personal details.

Earlier the courthouse was ringed by heavily- armed police after death threats were made against Fritzl and his lawyer overnight.

Protesters scattered plastic baby dolls covered in fake blood outside and held up placards saying "shame on Austria". Many were upset at the decision to hold the case in secret. Hans Kienast, a lawyer, said: "I thought the age of secret trials died with Stalin. Austria is once again trying to sweep all its dirty business under the carpet."