UPDATE: South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius may be free within a day
Oscar Pistorius, South African Paralympic champion, may be released from prison on Friday, March 31st. The parole board will decide if Pistorius served his time for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. Will justice be served? He pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar.
Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius Receives 13-Year Prison Sentence
Oscar Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner,” may be released after serving over half of his 13-year sentence. As part of his rehabilitation, he met with Reeva Steenkamp’s parents. Will he be granted parole? Reeva’s mother will attend the hearing to make a statement.
“acknowledge the harm they have caused to their victims and the society at large”.
Rehabilitated
The parole board will consider if Oscar Pistorius has been rehabilitated and if he poses a danger to society. His behaviour in prison and participation in programs will be taken into account. If released, he may have to follow certain conditions.
“It’s very common to have things like alcohol restrictions, restrictions on your ability to own firearms… and to require participation in counselling,”
Oscar Pistorius may be granted day parole or community service. He was once a celebrated athlete, becoming the first double amputee to race in the Olympics. However, his reputation was tarnished after killing Reeva Steenkamp.
Unduly lenient
Oscar Pistorius’ initial 6-year sentence was increased to 13 years after an appeal. The parole decision may not be made immediately. If denied, he has the right to seek a review in court.
Nxumalo hinted that in Oscar Pistorius’s case “the decision may not be taken on the same”.
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