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Despite Court Outcome, Pistorius Could Still Compete In Olympics

Despite Court Outcome, Pistorius Could Still Compete In Olympics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNsahX7nWX0

Oscar Pistorius and the world will learn Oct. 13 whether he faces a prison term for culpable homicide, according to a GlobalNationalNews video.

Despite a conviction for culpable homicide and the possibility of a prison sentence, Pistorius will be free to compete in the Olympics, the head of South Africa’s Olympic committee told the Associated Press, NPR reports.

From The Associated Press and  NPR.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee CEO Tubby Reddy told the AP that the sports body has no regulations that prevent someone with a criminal record from representing the country.

Pistorius, the double-amputee Olympic and Paralympic runner who shot and killed his girlfriend in his home in 2013, still faces a sentencing hearing to determine his punishment. At his recently concluded trial, a court found Pistorius not guilty of premeditated murder in the death of Reeva Steenkamp, who was killed when he fired bullets through a locked bathroom door.

In South Africa, legal experts are calling for the state to appeal the court’s finding, with the website news24 saying they’re seeking both clarity and justice.

But the site also notes that prosecutors won’t decide on an appeal until after Pistorius is sentenced on Oct. 13. His conviction carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Pistorius is likely to spend little or no time in jail, legal analysts tell South Africa’s Sunday Independent. They say that as a first-time offender, the track star is more likely to face a fine, community service and house arrest.

Discussing the athlete’s possible return to racing, the website adds,  “Whether Pistorius would be welcomed back by his fellow athletes is another question. Athletes and coaches who know him speak of a multimillionaire whose life had been spiraling dangerously out of control for months before he killed Steenkamp.”

Read more at NPR.