Former Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius is up for parole after serving about half of his 13-year prison sentence for murdering his girlfriend.
As some may recall, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend at the time 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp back in 2013. Pistorius at the time called the shooting an accident and was charged with manslaughter.
Later, the charge was upgraded to murder, and has been serving his sentence since his conviction. Pistorius’ lawyer thinks it’s a good possibility that he will be paroled at the end of the month.
Steenkamp’s family naturally is against Pistorius’ early release although according to South African law, the law will allow Pistorius to seek it nonetheless, as prisoners in the country can apply for parole once they’ve served at least half of their sentences.
Pistorius, who is a double-amputee known as the “Blade Runner”, will appeal his sentence if he isn’t released. Pistorius has been fighting for his release since his conviction and even appealed his conviction all the way to the South African Supreme Court which was the one’s that overturned his manslaughter charge to murder.
They are also the ones who also wanted to extend his prison stay from 13 years to 15 years.
