Pistorius Bail: Should He Have Been Released?

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, February 22, 2013

Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympian arrested for killing his girlfriend, has been released on bail Friday in Pretoria, South Africa.

Deemed "Blade Runner" by some publications, Pistorius was accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day nine days ago.

The double-amputee and track star was released Friday on U.S. $114,000 bail, according to CNN.

Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair made the decision after over an hour and 45 minutes of explanation of his ruling to a packed courtroom.

Furthermore, Nair banned cameras from the bail hearing, for the past three days of hearings included constant "flashing" that made Pistorius look like "some kind of species the world has never seen before," reported The Washington Post.

Many questions surround the case, including the fact that Pistorius and Steenkamp has been known to engage in intense arguments. The police had even been called to their home several times for domestic issues, according to CNN.

The case has garnered extreme international interest, with thousands of people sounding off about the athlete making bail on Friday.

"Still can't believe pistorius was granted bail," wrote Twitter user Lauren. "An ordinary citizen wouldn't be let free if they were on a pre-meditated murder charge."

Scott added, "Shocking that Oscar pistorius got bail. Just goes to show what a bit of fame and money can do."

CNN's Piers Morgan tweeted: "The idiot police chief Botha's incompetence has probably won #Pistorius bail single-handedly, judging by what magistrate is now saying."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel also shared his sentiments about the case while speaking to CNN.

"I am not saying the planning of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp happened weeks ahead, days ahead," said Nel. "I am saying the planning to kill Reeva Steenkemp happened that night."

Meanwhile, Pistorius maintains his innocence, declaring he never had any "intention to kill my girlfriend."

"I fail to understand how [my client] could be charged with murder," Pistorius's lawyer said as the athlete stood before a judge in Pretoria earlier this week. Pistorius was unable to speak at the time, and was so overcome with emotion that the judge had to stop the hearing in order for the athlete to collect himself.