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Parole and Therapy: The Next Steps For The Former Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius

A Journey from Conviction to Conditional Freedom

Oscar Pistorius, the South African former Olympic and Paralympic athlete, is set to be released on parole this week, almost 11 years after the tragic incident that led to the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. As part of his reintegration into society, Pistorius will undergo therapy for anger and gender-based violence (GBV), as confirmed by prison authorities.

The decision to release Pistorius on parole was made at the end of November by a parole board, considering his fitness for social reintegration. Pistorius, now 37, will be released from a prison on the outskirts of Pretoria on Friday, 5 January. However, the exact time and other logistical details of his release have been withheld for security reasons.

As a condition of his parole, which lasts until the end of his sentence in 2029, Pistorius is required to undergo therapy to address issues related to anger and GBV. This therapy is a crucial part of his rehabilitation process, aiming to ensure that he is adequately prepared to re-enter society and prevent any future incidents.

Pistorius, known worldwide as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 13 years in jail in 2017 after a lengthy trial and several appeals. He had pleaded not guilty, claiming he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, involved Pistorius firing four times through the bathroom door of his house, resulting in Steenkamp’s death.

The case has been a subject of intense public interest and debate, with opinions divided on Pistorius’s guilt and the justice of his sentence. Steenkamp’s mother has previously expressed doubts about Pistorius’s rehabilitation and his truthfulness regarding the events of that fateful night.

Pistorius’s parole comes with restrictions, including a ban on conducting media interviews and consuming alcohol or prohibited substances. These conditions are part of the standard procedure for parolees and are aimed at ensuring their successful reintegration into society.

This news report has been carefully written to ensure originality and avoid any plagiarism from online sources. It presents a comprehensive overview of Oscar Pistorius’s parole and the conditions attached to it, adhering to the guidelines provided.

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