5 Things you Should Know about Oscar Pistorius Trial
Words: Violet
This week the world has watched as the trial of Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee Paralympic champion who has been charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, began in Pretoria, South Africa. It all started last Valentine’s Day, 14th February 2013, when Pistorius fatally shot model Steenkamp in his house in Pretoria. Pistorius, 27, claims that the shooting was in self defense as he thought an intruder had entered his home. The high-profile murder case is being watched and scrutinized by the world. Here a five things you should know about the trial that is unfolding…
The case will be decided by one judge not a jury, Though in the UK, the verdict for trials of this nature are decided by a jury, South Africa abolished jury trials in 1969 meaning that the case will be determined by judge Thokozile Masipa.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest crime rates, South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world with notable increases in murder and armed house robbery amongst others, in the last 10 years. This has been relevant in Pistorius’ defence. He has stated: “I have received death threats before. I have also been a victim of violence and of burglaries before. For that reason, I kept my firearm, a 9mm Parabellum, underneath my bed.”
Premeditated murder is not the only charge, Pistorius is also on trial for a series of other gun related crimes unrelated to the Reeva Steenkamp shooting. These include: discharging a firearm under a table, firing a gun through the sunroof of a car and illegal possession of 28 rounds of ammunition.
The fact that the trial is being televised live has already caused issues, All the witnesses had to give their permission to be on camera- the trial was delayed after a photo of the witness was leaked. Another witnesses phone number was mentioned in court, resulting in him being inundated with calls.
Paddy Power advert receives record complaints
Advertising watchdog has ordered Bookmaker Paddy Power to withdraw an advert offering gamblers a chance to win money if Oscar Pistorius walks free. The advert received 5,200 complaints and an online petition was signed by 122,000 people.
The case continues.
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