On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner&nbsp;Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius was&nbsp;released from prison on parole,&nbsp;almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

Pistorius,&nbsp;known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing his girlfriend. It is to be noted that he&nbsp;will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of&nbsp;the parole condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oscar-pistorius-parole-explained-what-will-happen-to-former-paralympic-star-once-released-from-jail-675884">Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail</a>

<h2>WHAT HAPPENS TO OSCAR PISTORIUS ON RELEASE FROM PRISON?</h2>

It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear, in November 2023, that the tainted ex-Olympic runner&nbsp;will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius&nbsp;will&nbsp;be under&nbsp;DCS'&nbsp;supervision. He&nbsp;will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence&nbsp;ends five years later, in December 2029.

Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will&nbsp;be notified in advance regarding when&nbsp;Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes.

As part of the conditions of the parole, 37-year-old&nbsp;Pistorius will&nbsp;also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions&nbsp;on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family) will continue.&nbsp;

As a Paralympian, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career.&nbsp;He is a&nbsp;Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claiming three more gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Games and becoming the first double amputee to compete at the 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013.

On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013. Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing his girlfriend. It is to be noted that he will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of the parole condition. Also read: Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail WHAT HAPPENS TO OSCAR PISTORIUS ON RELEASE FROM PRISON? It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear, in November 2023, that the tainted ex-Olympic runner will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius will be under DCS' supervision. He will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence ends five years later, in December 2029. Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will be notified in advance regarding when Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes. As part of the conditions of the parole, 37-year-old Pistorius will also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family) will continue. As a Paralympian, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career. He is a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claiming three more gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Games and becoming the first double amputee to compete at the 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013.

South Africa's 'blade runner' Oscar Pistorius, sentenced for killing his girlfriend, released on parole

South Africa's former paralympic&nbsp;&nbsp;runner&nbsp;Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole,&nbsp;almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

Pistorius,&nbsp;known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing Steenkamp. It is to be noted that he&nbsp;will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of&nbsp;the parole condition.

<h2>What happens to Oscar Pistorius on release from prison?</h2>

In Nov 2023, South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear&nbsp;that the tainted paralympian will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius&nbsp;will&nbsp;be under&nbsp;DCS'&nbsp;supervision. He&nbsp;will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence&nbsp;ends five years later, in December 2029.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oscar-pistorius-parole-explained-what-will-happen-to-former-paralympic-star-once-released-from-jail-675884">Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail</a>

Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will&nbsp;be notified in advance regarding when&nbsp;Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes.

As part of the conditions of the parole,&nbsp;the 37-year-old&nbsp;Pistorius will&nbsp;also&nbsp;attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions&nbsp;on anger management&nbsp;will continue, as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family.&nbsp;

Before turning into a criminal, and shocking the entire sporting fraternity, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career.

He was a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claimed three more gold medals in 2008 Beijing Games and was the first double amputee to compete at 2012 London Games.

However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's former paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

South Africa's former paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013. Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing Steenkamp. It is to be noted that he will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of the parole condition. What happens to Oscar Pistorius on release from prison? In Nov 2023, South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear that the tainted paralympian will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius will be under DCS' supervision. He will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence ends five years later, in December 2029. Also read: Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will be notified in advance regarding when Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes. As part of the conditions of the parole, the 37-year-old Pistorius will also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions on anger management will continue, as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family. Before turning into a criminal, and shocking the entire sporting fraternity, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career. He was a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claimed three more gold medals in 2008 Beijing Games and was the first double amputee to compete at 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013. (With inputs from agencies)

Oscar Pistorius, South Africa's 'blade runner' who killed his girlfriend in 2013, released on parole

South Africa’s Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was denied parole in the Reeva Steenkamp murder case on Friday, March 31. Steenkamp, a model and girlfriend of Pistorius, was killed by the latter in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world.

Lawyers for Steenkamp’s family arrived at the correctional facility on the outskirts of the capital, where the hearing was taking place, amid a heavy media presence.

“We were...advised at this point in time that it has been denied and it will be considered again in one year’s time,” Tania Koen, a lawyer for the victim's family, told AFP.

The department of correctional services said Pistorius had not completed the minimum detention period required for parole. Pistorius was seeking parole in the case, a decade after he killed Steenkamp having likely served a minimum period behind the bars.

“They don't feel that he should be released. They feel that he has shown no remorse,” June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother told reporters outside the prison earlier.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-match-1-csk-vs-gt-heres-the-match-preview-prediction-of-gujarat-titans-vs-chennai-super-kings-577509">IPL 2023, Match 1, GT vs CSK - Here's the match preview, prediction of Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings</a>

The Department of Correctional Services said in a statement the "reason provided is that the inmate did not complete the minimum detention period".

Comprising at least three people, including prison services and community members, the board is to determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served, according to the Department of Correctional Services.

Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and given a 13-year jail sentence in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals.

Pistorius had pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar. Prisoners in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014. His lawyer Julian Knight said he would not comment until after a decision on the parole was made. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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South Africa’s Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was denied parole in the Reeva Steenkamp murder case on Friday, March 31. Steenkamp, a model and girlfriend of Pistorius, was killed by the latter in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world.

South Africa’s Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was denied parole in the Reeva Steenkamp murder case on Friday, March 31. Steenkamp, a model and girlfriend of Pistorius, was killed by the latter in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world. Lawyers for Steenkamp’s family arrived at the correctional facility on the outskirts of the capital, where the hearing was taking place, amid a heavy media presence. “We were...advised at this point in time that it has been denied and it will be considered again in one year’s time,” Tania Koen, a lawyer for the victim's family, told AFP. The department of correctional services said Pistorius had not completed the minimum detention period required for parole. Pistorius was seeking parole in the case, a decade after he killed Steenkamp having likely served a minimum period behind the bars. “They don't feel that he should be released. They feel that he has shown no remorse,” June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother told reporters outside the prison earlier. ALSO READ | IPL 2023, Match 1, GT vs CSK - Here's the match preview, prediction of Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings The Department of Correctional Services said in a statement the "reason provided is that the inmate did not complete the minimum detention period". Comprising at least three people, including prison services and community members, the board is to determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served, according to the Department of Correctional Services. Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and given a 13-year jail sentence in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals. Pistorius had pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar. Prisoners in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014. His lawyer Julian Knight said he would not comment until after a decision on the parole was made. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Oscar Pistorius denied parole in Reeva Steenkamp murder case; to stay behind the bars

Former South Africa Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, known as Blade Runner, who was seeking an early release from prison, 10 years after murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was denied parole on Friday.

Oscar Pistorius faces parole board after completing half sentence | WION Dispatch

A parole hearing began Friday that could see South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius released from prison early, a decade after he shot and killed his girlfriend. Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp, a model, in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world.

Lawyers for Steenkamp's family arrived at the correctional facility on the outskirts of the capital, where the hearing was taking place, amid a heavy media presence. Steenkamp's mother, June, is to appear before the board to "make representations" also on behalf of her husband, Barry, who is unable to travel because of ill health, lawyer Tania Koen said.

"They don't feel that he should be released. They feel that he has shown no remorse," she told reporters outside the prison.

Pistorius, 36, is being held at the same facility, where the parole board was scheduled to convene for a closed-door session at 10:00 am (0800 GMT).

Pistorius is also expected to address the hearing and respond to the Steenkamps' submissions, Koen said.

"As you can imagine it's painful. June has to face Oscar Pistorius again this morning. He is the killer of her daughter," she said.

Comprising at least three people, including prison services and community members, the board is to determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served, according to the Department of Correctional Services.

Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and given a 13-year jail sentence in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals.

He had pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar.

Prisoners in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence.

Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014.

His lawyer Julian Knight said he would not comment until after a decision on the parole was made.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-match-1-csk-vs-gt-heres-the-match-preview-prediction-of-gujarat-titans-vs-chennai-super-kings-577509">IPL 2023, Match 1, GT vs CSK - Here's the match preview, prediction of Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings</a>

Pistorius met with Steenkamp's parents last year, part of a process that authorities say aims to ensure inmates "acknowledge the harm they have caused to their victims and the society at large".

Koen described the meeting as "very emotional" and "traumatic".

The board will consider whether Pistorius has been rehabilitated or still poses a danger to society, and review his conduct in prison, according to the correctional services.

A year before killing Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double amputee to race in the Olympics, competing at the 2012 London Games.

He became a household name admired worldwide and courted by sponsors, but it all came crashing down after the killing.

Parole decisions are usually known the same day of the hearing or a day later, but the correctional services department has indicated that in Pistorius' case it might not be taken on Friday.

If denied, he has the right to approach the courts for review.

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A parole hearing began Friday that could see South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius released from prison early, a decade after he shot and killed his girlfriend.

A parole hearing began Friday that could see South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius released from prison early, a decade after he shot and killed his girlfriend. Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp, a model, in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world. Lawyers for Steenkamp's family arrived at the correctional facility on the outskirts of the capital, where the hearing was taking place, amid a heavy media presence. Steenkamp's mother, June, is to appear before the board to "make representations" also on behalf of her husband, Barry, who is unable to travel because of ill health, lawyer Tania Koen said. "They don't feel that he should be released. They feel that he has shown no remorse," she told reporters outside the prison. Pistorius, 36, is being held at the same facility, where the parole board was scheduled to convene for a closed-door session at 10:00 am (0800 GMT). Pistorius is also expected to address the hearing and respond to the Steenkamps' submissions, Koen said. "As you can imagine it's painful. June has to face Oscar Pistorius again this morning. He is the killer of her daughter," she said. Comprising at least three people, including prison services and community members, the board is to determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served, according to the Department of Correctional Services. Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and given a 13-year jail sentence in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals. He had pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar. Prisoners in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014. His lawyer Julian Knight said he would not comment until after a decision on the parole was made. ALSO READ | IPL 2023, Match 1, GT vs CSK - Here's the match preview, prediction of Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings Pistorius met with Steenkamp's parents last year, part of a process that authorities say aims to ensure inmates "acknowledge the harm they have caused to their victims and the society at large". Koen described the meeting as "very emotional" and "traumatic". The board will consider whether Pistorius has been rehabilitated or still poses a danger to society, and review his conduct in prison, according to the correctional services. A year before killing Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double amputee to race in the Olympics, competing at the 2012 London Games. He became a household name admired worldwide and courted by sponsors, but it all came crashing down after the killing. Parole decisions are usually known the same day of the hearing or a day later, but the correctional services department has indicated that in Pistorius' case it might not be taken on Friday. If denied, he has the right to approach the courts for review. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Reeva Steenkamp's lawyers set to oppose Oscar Pistorius' bail plea, stating 'he has shown no remorse'

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius might be released from prison this week, a decade after he killed his girlfriend in a crime that gripped the world.&nbsp;

A parole board is to decide whether Pistorius should be let out early, after a hearing in Pretoria on Friday.&nbsp;

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"The board must determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served," said Department of Correctional Services' spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo.

Pistorius, who is now 36, shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, a model, in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013, when he fired four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house.

He pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar.

Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars.

Offenders in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence.&nbsp;

Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014.

<h2>Decision time</h2>

As part of his rehabilitation, Pistorius met Steenkamp's parents June and Barry last year, in a process authorities said aims to ensure inmates "acknowledge the harm they have caused to their victims and the society at large".

Reeva's mother June will attend the hearing to "make representations to the parole board" which will include both parents' victim impact statements, said Tania Koen, a lawyer representing the Steenkamps.

June's husband Barry is unable to travel due to ill health, Koen added.&nbsp;

Koen said she was not at liberty to discuss the Steenkamps' position on a possible release of their daughter's killer.&nbsp;

"They are going to make their submissions. And then obviously, the law will take its course," she said.

The board, normally made up of correctional services and community members, will consider whether an inmate has been rehabilitated or still poses a danger to society, said&nbsp;Kelly Phelps,&nbsp;a law professor at the University of Cape Town.

This will take into account the seriousness of the offence as well as Pistorius' behaviour behind bars, including whether he attended educational and life skills programs. &nbsp;

<h2>Possible conditions</h2>

Release on parole usually comes with some conditions, such as monitoring from authorities and duty to report to a community correction centre.&nbsp;

"It's very common to have things like alcohol restrictions, restrictions on your ability to own firearms... and to require participation in counselling," said Phelps.

Day parole, where the inmate returns to prison at night, and community service are also on the cards, said Nxumalo of the correctional services.

A year before killing Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double amputee to race at the Olympics at the London 2012 games.&nbsp;

He then was a sporting icon admired worldwide and courted by sponsors.

But his achievements came crashing down after the killing, with his character and past closely scrutinised in a trial that made headlines around the world.&nbsp;

He was initially sentenced to six years in jail but the term was later lengthened to 13 after the state appealed that it was unduly lenient.

Parole decisions are usually known the same day of the hearing or a day later, but Nxumalo&nbsp;hinted that in Pistorius's case "the decision may not be taken on the same".

If denied, the offender has the right to approach the courts for review.

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius might be released from prison this week, a decade after he killed his girlfriend in a crime that gripped the world.

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius might be released from prison this week, a decade after he killed his girlfriend in a crime that gripped the world. A parole board is to decide whether Pistorius should be let out early, after a hearing in Pretoria on Friday. Also Read: Euro 2024 Qualifier round-up: Scotland get famous win against Spain, Croatia down Turkey "The board must determine whether the purpose of imprisonment has been served," said Department of Correctional Services' spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo. Pistorius, who is now 36, shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, a model, in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013, when he fired four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house. He pleaded not guilty and denied that he killed Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar. Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars. Offenders in South Africa are automatically eligible for parole consideration after serving half of their sentence. Pistorius has served more than half, having started his term in 2014. Decision time As part of his rehabilitation, Pistorius met Steenkamp's parents June and Barry last year, in a process authorities said aims to ensure inmates "acknowledge the harm they have caused to their victims and the society at large". Reeva's mother June will attend the hearing to "make representations to the parole board" which will include both parents' victim impact statements, said Tania Koen, a lawyer representing the Steenkamps. June's husband Barry is unable to travel due to ill health, Koen added. Koen said she was not at liberty to discuss the Steenkamps' position on a possible release of their daughter's killer. "They are going to make their submissions. And then obviously, the law will take its course," she said. The board, normally made up of correctional services and community members, will consider whether an inmate has been rehabilitated or still poses a danger to society, said Kelly Phelps, a law professor at the University of Cape Town. This will take into account the seriousness of the offence as well as Pistorius' behaviour behind bars, including whether he attended educational and life skills programs. Possible conditions Release on parole usually comes with some conditions, such as monitoring from authorities and duty to report to a community correction centre. "It's very common to have things like alcohol restrictions, restrictions on your ability to own firearms... and to require participation in counselling," said Phelps. Day parole, where the inmate returns to prison at night, and community service are also on the cards, said Nxumalo of the correctional services. A year before killing Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double amputee to race at the Olympics at the London 2012 games. He then was a sporting icon admired worldwide and courted by sponsors. But his achievements came crashing down after the killing, with his character and past closely scrutinised in a trial that made headlines around the world. He was initially sentenced to six years in jail but the term was later lengthened to 13 after the state appealed that it was unduly lenient. Parole decisions are usually known the same day of the hearing or a day later, but Nxumalo hinted that in Pistorius's case "the decision may not be taken on the same". If denied, the offender has the right to approach the courts for review.

South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius eligible for parole in girlfriend's murder case

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013.

Pistorius was convicted of murder in 2015 and ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. He became eligible for parole under South African law after serving half his sentence. A parole hearing for Pistorius was scheduled for last month and then canceled, partly because a meeting between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, had not been arranged, lawyers for both parties told The Associated Press on Monday. 
Corrections department officials scheduled the parole hearing for October but it was called off when a full report on Pistorius' time in prison wasn't available, said Julian Knight, a lawyer for Pistorius. The date for a new hearing has not yet been set, Knight said.

Also, Barry and June Steenkamp want a face-to-face meeting with Pistorius before he is considered for early release from prison, as is their right under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy. The Steenkamps have previously said they want to challenge Pistorius on why he shot their daughter and they would get to do that, with victim-offender meetings aimed at achieving some kind of closure for families of victims of crimes. They (Barry and June) feel that Reeva has got a voice. They are Reeva's voice, and they owe it to their beloved daughter,? said Tania Koen, the Steenkamps' lawyer.

The Steenkamps will also be allowed to make recommendations to the parole board, although Koen wouldn't say if they will oppose Pistorius' release.We have discussed it,? Koen said, but declined to give details. The opinion of victims' families is considered by a parole board when deciding whether to release an offender, but it's not the only criteria.

The 34-year-old Pistorius could be taken from where he is incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the capital, Pretoria, to the Steenkamps' home city of Gqerberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for the victim-offender meeting because, according to Koen, Barry Steenkamp is unable to travel due to his health. Pistorius lawyer Knight said it might turn out that way but the corrections department would decide. Knight said he was hopeful that the meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamps, which must happen before a parole hearing, could take place by the end of the year.

It was a huge surprise&nbsp;for the Steenkamps when corrections services officials contacted them last month to say that Pistorius is eligible for parole, Koen said. They believed he would only be eligible in 2023, she said. (It) opens a lot of wounds, or rips off the plasters they had put on those wounds,&nbsp;Koen said. The confusion over when he would be eligible emanated from Pistorius' long and protracted murder trial and two subsequent appeals by prosecutors. Pistorius went on trial in 2014 and his case was only finalized in 2018.

The multiple Paralympic champion was initially found guilty of culpable homicide,&nbsp;an offense comparable to manslaughter&nbsp;for shooting Steenkamp with his licensed 9 mm pistol. He claimed at his trial it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder.

Prosecutors appealed the manslaughter finding and secured a murder conviction. Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017. Knight later sought clarification over the sentence from the Supreme Court to see if the time Pistorius had already served in prison for culpable homicide should count toward his parole. It did, Knight said, meaning Pistorius could be considered for parole two years earlier than courts had initially indicated.

Knight said he believed Pistorius had met the requirements to be released early. From what I have observed of him he has been a model prisoner while he has been in prison,? Knight said. My view is that he does meet the requirements to be placed on parole but the procedures must be followed. Knight said a parole board could impose a range of conditions on Pistorius if he is released, like only being allowed to leave home to go to work during the week, and only for a limited time on weekends to buy groceries and attend church.

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013.

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013. Pistorius was convicted of murder in 2015 and ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. He became eligible for parole under South African law after serving half his sentence. A parole hearing for Pistorius was scheduled for last month and then canceled, partly because a meeting between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, had not been arranged, lawyers for both parties told The Associated Press on Monday. Corrections department officials scheduled the parole hearing for October but it was called off when a full report on Pistorius' time in prison wasn't available, said Julian Knight, a lawyer for Pistorius. The date for a new hearing has not yet been set, Knight said. Also, Barry and June Steenkamp want a face-to-face meeting with Pistorius before he is considered for early release from prison, as is their right under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy. The Steenkamps have previously said they want to challenge Pistorius on why he shot their daughter and they would get to do that, with victim-offender meetings aimed at achieving some kind of closure for families of victims of crimes. They (Barry and June) feel that Reeva has got a voice. They are Reeva's voice, and they owe it to their beloved daughter,? said Tania Koen, the Steenkamps' lawyer. The Steenkamps will also be allowed to make recommendations to the parole board, although Koen wouldn't say if they will oppose Pistorius' release.We have discussed it,? Koen said, but declined to give details. The opinion of victims' families is considered by a parole board when deciding whether to release an offender, but it's not the only criteria. The 34-year-old Pistorius could be taken from where he is incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the capital, Pretoria, to the Steenkamps' home city of Gqerberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for the victim-offender meeting because, according to Koen, Barry Steenkamp is unable to travel due to his health. Pistorius lawyer Knight said it might turn out that way but the corrections department would decide. Knight said he was hopeful that the meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamps, which must happen before a parole hearing, could take place by the end of the year. It was a huge surprise for the Steenkamps when corrections services officials contacted them last month to say that Pistorius is eligible for parole, Koen said. They believed he would only be eligible in 2023, she said. (It) opens a lot of wounds, or rips off the plasters they had put on those wounds, Koen said. The confusion over when he would be eligible emanated from Pistorius' long and protracted murder trial and two subsequent appeals by prosecutors. Pistorius went on trial in 2014 and his case was only finalized in 2018. The multiple Paralympic champion was initially found guilty of culpable homicide, an offense comparable to manslaughter for shooting Steenkamp with his licensed 9 mm pistol. He claimed at his trial it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder. Prosecutors appealed the manslaughter finding and secured a murder conviction. Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017. Knight later sought clarification over the sentence from the Supreme Court to see if the time Pistorius had already served in prison for culpable homicide should count toward his parole. It did, Knight said, meaning Pistorius could be considered for parole two years earlier than courts had initially indicated. Knight said he believed Pistorius had met the requirements to be released early. From what I have observed of him he has been a model prisoner while he has been in prison,? Knight said. My view is that he does meet the requirements to be placed on parole but the procedures must be followed. Knight said a parole board could impose a range of conditions on Pistorius if he is released, like only being allowed to leave home to go to work during the week, and only for a limited time on weekends to buy groceries and attend church.

South Africa's tainted Olympian Oscar Pistorius up for parole, must meet parents of girlfriend he killed