Oscar Pistorius will be released on parole next January

CNN
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Oscar Pistorius He will be released on parole in January, nearly 11 years after the former South African Paralympic runner killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, ​​prison authorities announced Friday.

Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times through the bathroom door of his home in 2013. He denied that he killed her in a fit of rage, saying instead that he thought she was an intruder. He was originally sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Steenkamp’s mother said she did not believe the Olympic runner had been rehabilitated, adding that she was concerned for the safety of other women once he was released on parole.

In a victim impact statement, June Steenkamp said her daughter’s death left a “huge hole” in her life that could not be filled.

Her statement was also read outside the South African Parole Board meeting by a family representative.

Steenkamp said in the statement that although she had forgiven Pistorius, she did not believe his version of events.

“At this time, I am not convinced that Oscar has been rehabilitated,” she said in her statement.

“Rehabilitation requires a person to honestly deal with the full truth of their crime and the consequences. No one can claim to feel remorse if they cannot fully deal with the truth.

“If someone does not show remorse, they cannot be considered rehabilitated. If they are not rehabilitated, the risk of reoffending is high.”

June Steenkamp said she did not attend Friday’s parole board hearing because she could not “must up the energy to face him (Pistorius) again.”

It also raised concerns about his pattern of violent and aggressive behaviour.

“I do not know to what extent this behavior still exists or was evident during his incarceration, but I am concerned for the safety of any women if this is not addressed in his rehabilitation.”

The athlete — known as “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs and once honored as an inspirational figure after competing in the 2012 Olympics — became the center of an experiment followed around the world.

During the trial, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and a firearms charge linked to Steenkamp’s killing.

Prosecutors said her killing was premeditated and that the shooting occurred after an argument between the couple.

He frequently broke down in court and his past behavior was closely scrutinized.

Pistorius was convicted of manslaughter in 2014 and sentenced to five years in prison. But a higher court The conviction was overturned and converted to murder A year later, his sentence was increased to six years in prison.

The ruling was appealed by the Public Prosecution, which claimed that the sentence was too lenient. Pistorius ruled Increased to 13 years and five months By the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa in 2017.

Nimmi Princewill and Niamh Kennedy contributed to this report.

This story has been updated.