Post date: Feb 25, 2014 2:37:44 PM
A judge in South Africa rules in favour of televising the murder trial of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius,
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (FEBRUARY 25, 2014) ( REUTERS) - A South African judge ruled on Tuesday (February 25) that the murder trial of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius can be televised, giving millions around the world direct access to one of the most sensational celebrity trials since O.J. Simpson's.
27-year-old Pistorius has admitted to shooting his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, at hisPretoria home on Valentine's Day last year, but has said it was a tragic accident in which he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder.If convicted of murder, he faces up to life in prison. The trial is due to start March 3.
In a televised ruling in a Pretoria high court, Judge Dustan Mlambo said it was vital that impoverished South Africans who feel ill-treated by the justice system be given a first-hand look at the trial.
Mlambo attached several conditions, including provisos that no recording be allowed during breaks and that no confidential communication between parties involved in the trial be recorded.
He also said the cameras could not take "extreme close-ups" nor record witnesses who did give their consent.
Mlambo said the presiding judge had the discretion to order that broadcasting be stopped if "it becomes apparent that the presence of cameras ... is impeding a particular witness' right to privacy, dignity or the accused's right to a fair trial".
Pistorius' legal team had opposed televising the trial on the grounds it would be intrusive. Local media groups had argued for its televisation under freedom of information principles enshrined inSouth Africa's post-apartheid constitution.
"What the judge did is, he made a compromise so that the right to a fair trial in his estimation wouldn't be affected, and on the other hand open justice would be enhanced," said Dario Milo, a lawyer representing media companies.
Yusuf Abramjee of Primedia Broadcasting said: "This is a real victory for our courts and the people of South Africa."
George Mazarakis, executive producer of the current affairs show Carte Blanche said: "We are absolutely thrilled, this is seminal judgement, it's precedent setting, it's a victory for open justice. We couldn't be happier."
Double-amputee Pistorius, dubbed the "Blade Runner" for his running prostheses, became a global hero at the London 2012 Olympics when he made it to the 400-metre semi-final against able-bodied athletes.