Parole Board Denies Pistorius’ Release
South Africa’s parole board has denied parole to Oscar Pistorius for the second time. Pistorius, a former Paralympic champion, shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in their home in 2013. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. The parole board assessed Pistorius’ conduct and disciplinary record in prison, his participation in education or other training courses during the last decade of incarceration, and his mental and physical state to assess whether he would still pose a threat to public safety.
Steenkamp’s Parents Oppose Early Release
At the parole hearing, Steenkamp’s mother June arrived and was asked if she believed Pistorius was remorseful, to which she replied “No. Never.” Steenkamp’s parents were expected to address the parole board to voice their opposition to Pistorius being granted early parole. They believe that Pistorius had not told the truth or shown sufficient remorse for killing their daughter.
Pistorius’ Previous Parole Attempt Rejected on Technical Grounds
This is not the first time that Pistorius has been denied parole. His previous application was rejected on technical grounds in 2021. Social workers had inspected his uncle Arno Pistorius’ property in Pretoria where he would have served out the remainder of his sentence if parole had been granted.
New Parole Hearing Set for August 2022
Pistorius will be able to reapply for parole in August next year. South African law allows inmates to be considered for parole after serving half of their sentence. However, his attempt at early release continues to be controversial among South Africans who followed closely the trial that revealed a darker side to the once-beloved athlete.
Pistorius’ Rehabilitation Program
As part of his rehabilitation program, Pistorius met with Steenkamp’s parents last year. He also ran bible classes and prayer groups for prisoners. To be eligible for parole, he needed to participate in South Africa’s “Restorative Justice” process involving a face-to-face meeting between offender and victim or victim’s family.
Interest in the Killing and Its Aftermath
In South Africa, interest in the killing and its aftermath bordered on the obsessive. The case drew global attention as well with many people following closely the saga of a fallen hero. While some sympathize with Pistorius for his disabilities, others believe he must serve out his full sentence for the brutal murder.
Title: Oscar Pistorius Denied Parole Due to Incomplete Minimum Sentence
Pistorius Fired Four Times Through Bathroom Door Killing Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door in 2013. The Paralympic athlete fired four times through the bathroom door of his high-security house, killing his partner. He was originally convicted of manslaughter but that conviction was overturned by a higher court, and he was then convicted of murder. He was sentenced to 13 years and five months imprisonment in 2017.
Minimum Detention Period Not Completed
The parole board denied Pistorius’ parole due to his not completing the minimum detention period required to be let out. In South Africa, inmates can be considered for parole after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius will only have a new application for parole consideration in August 2024.
Increased Sentence for Murder
Prosecutors claimed that the original sentence of 6 years was too lenient, leading to an increased sentence of 13 years and five months in 2017. Steenkamp’s parents opposed an early release and believed that Pistorius had not taken responsibility for his actions or shown remorse.
The Trial Revealed a Darker Side to the Athlete
The trial of Pistorius in 2014 revealed a darker side to the athlete. It uncovered his violent behavior towards women and his abuse of firearms. Since then, he has been serving his sentence in the Kgosi Mampuru II prison.
Pistorius Will Have to Wait Until 2024 for Another Hearing
Pistorius will have to wait until 2024 for another parole hearing. His attempt at early release continues to be divisive among South Africans who are divided over whether he has served enough time or not. However, given the severity of his crime, it is unlikely that public opinion will soften towards him anytime soon.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
