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SA Runner-Killer Pistorius to Be Released From Prison on Friday: What Awaits Him on Parole?

© AP Photo / Shiraaz MohamedOscar Pistorius, center, arrives at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, for a sentencing hearing for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius, center, arrives at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, for a sentencing hearing for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.01.2024
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Oscar Pistorius, a former Paralympic champion who served 10 years for murdering his girlfriend, was granted the parole in November, effective on January 5.
While at large, Oscar Pistorius will remain under close supervision and on parole until the end of his sentence in December 2029, the South African Department of Correctional Services said.
The department explained that the track star would be subject to the general conditions of parole, stating that "while Pistorius had an elevated public profile, this did not make him different from other inmates or warrant inconsistent treatment."
Pistorius is also required to be at home at certain times of the day, cannot consume alcohol or other illegal substances, and cannot give interviews to the media, the authorities added.
"Participation in other programs that would have been identified by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board will also be compulsory for him. Just like other parolees, Pistorius is restricted from conducting media interviews," the statement said.
Authorities added that they would not release details about transportation plans or when the former athlete would be released, citing a "security threat for the inmate and other stakeholders involved."
In this photograph taken on Tuesday, May 19, 2014, Oscar Pistorius listens to psychiatric evidence for his defense, during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 24.11.2023
Ex-Paralympic Champion Pistorius to Be Freed on Parole After Convicted for Murder

The Rise and Fall

Pistorius, who was born without a fibula and had both legs amputated below the knee before his first birthday, was once considered the epitome of triumph over adversity and a motivating example for others.
The South African rose to international fame in the early 2000s when he won Paralympic gold in the 200 meters at the Athens Games.

Pistorius continued to run toward his goal, becoming a six-time Paralympic Games champion and a silver medalist in the 4×400-meter relay at the 2011 World Championships.

He earned the nickname "Blade Runner" because his prosthetics resemble two curved blades, and even competed against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 London Olympics.
© Flickr
 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.01.2024
But Pistorius' life changed abruptly on the night of February 14, 2013, when he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, by firing several shots through a locked bathroom door, later explaining his actions by saying he mistook her for a robber.
"The Blade Runner" was initially found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison in October 2014, but was released early from prison a year later and placed under house arrest.
In November 2017, after a series of protests by prosecutors, Pistorius was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison for premeditated murder.
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