Oscar Pistorius cleared to travel abroad to compete

Wow. Just...wow.

So to clarify that was 'wow' twice and one of these 'Just...'.

Hey you get out of my way wrote:

Wow. Just...wow.

So to clarify that was 'wow' twice and one of these 'Just...'.

And two periods after each 'wow'

Hey you get out of my way wrote:

Hey you get out of my way wrote:

Wow. Just...wow.

So to clarify that was 'wow' twice and one of these 'Just...'.

And two periods after each 'wow'

Well, one period after each 'wow'. Two periods in total.

let the circus begin

So, if I'm reading this correctly, his lawyers argued that not being allowed to return to his home, having to surrender his passport, and not being allowed to drink amounted virtually to "house arrest." Dude could travel wherever he wanted to in his native land, but this is deemed too strict?!

Aren't the conditions of bail simply meant to ensure that he returns for trial and doesn't impose a threat to anyone else while awaiting trial or being tried? I know most of us have already convicted him based on patchy media reports and want the punishment to commence already, but I don't think that's how the system works. Does anyone now think that he'll try to escape, or kill more women before his trial?

If he competes before his trial I think he will lose the remaining few fans he has left surely!

Anton chigurh wrote:

Aren't the conditions of bail simply meant to ensure that he returns for trial and doesn't impose a threat to anyone else while awaiting trial or being tried? I know most of us have already convicted him based on patchy media reports and want the punishment to commence already, but I don't think that's how the system works. Does anyone now think that he'll try to escape, or kill more women before his trial?

The money he had to put up for bail was nothing for him.

The concern with him travelling internationally is that he could go to a country without an extradition treaty with South Africa (or refuse to extradite him) and he could stay there without

If he were to do this, he would have to stay in that country but he would not have to go to jail if guilty. My understanding is by South African law he is guilty of something because of his previous admissions - the question is what.

His brother killed a woman too. Must be a proud Dad with all the women these Pistorius boys have killed.

"Pistorius' bail appeal was being heard at the high court a day after the athlete's older brother, Carl Pistorius, went on trial for culpable homicide for the death of a woman motorcyclist in a 2008 road accident. Carl Pistorius pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the main charge of culpable homicide and not guilty to two alternative charges relating to driving recklessly and inconsiderately."

guys...he hasn't been convicted of anything yet

The purposes of pre trial confinement is to prevent the SUSPECT from either fleeing prosecution or being a harm to himself or others

so arguments of "he killed someone, he shouldn't get to live a normal life" are irrelevant...that comes after conviction

the only relevant arguments here in favor or upholding the restrictions are those stating that an extremely recognizable professional athlete with no legs is a flight risk, or likely to hurt himself or others

I think he did it to and deserves to be punished, but I don't think that should happen until after he is convicted

Is barring foreign travel really that egregious a restriction on someone who is facing a murder trial? I understand that the restrictions pre-trial should not amount to an imposition of punishment before a verdict, but seriously, allowing foreign travel to a murder suspect seems ludicrous to me. He can travel across the length and breadth of SA living just a grand life while awaiting trial.

If he wants foreign travel in order to compete, doesn't he have to be invited to a meet. What dirtbag RD would invite him to a meet?

Well he does seem to a bit trigger happy so I would say he does pose a risk to the community, unless he had to surrender his guns.

Confused Briton wrote:

Is barring foreign travel really that egregious a restriction on someone who is facing a murder trial? I understand that the restrictions pre-trial should not amount to an imposition of punishment before a verdict, but seriously, allowing foreign travel to a murder suspect seems ludicrous to me. He can travel across the length and breadth of SA living just a grand life while awaiting trial.

the thing about a free society (and Im imposing American standards without knowing much about the principals of the South African legal system)...you need a reason to impose restrictions, not a reason not to...

Just because its not that egregious of a restriction to bar him from international travel (an arguable point as his entire livelihood depends on international travel...though granted I doubt he'll be invited to many meets right now), that doesn't give us the right to impose the restriction without reason

If they'd said there was a legitimate increase in the risk of him escaping by allowing him international travel, that would be worth listening to and may even hold some weight

my only point is that "he killed someone, I can't believe theyre letting him travel" are completely ignorant arguments...

Runwalkjog wrote:

Well he does seem to a bit trigger happy so I would say he does pose a risk to the community, unless he had to surrender his guns.

I'll agree with that

In fact, "he killed someone; I can't believe they're letting him travel" is not even one argument, let alone two. The first is a statement of fact: Pistorius himself doesn't dispute that he killed his girlfriend. This is not an argument.The second is an opinion, although it's unclear exactly who you believe to have offered it. If you want to ascribe it to me, I guess that's fair, because I can't believe they're letting him travel. This, also, is not an argument.I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on Letsrun, but I do continue to assert my opinion that it is ridiculous not to impose an international travel ban on someone who is known to have shot dead another citizen under suspicious circumstances. If the law says it is not up for argument, then the law, sir, is an ass.

hmmmmmmmmmmm wrote:

my only point is that "he killed someone, I can't believe theyre letting him travel" are completely ignorant arguments...

He should be an easy "target" for psychological intimidation if he is allowed entry into any meets. The guy has serious anger issues, as evidenced by his past documented behavior that had nothing to do with the alleged murder. It would be fun to overhear the posturing and comments to get him off his focus by fellow sprinters.

I think I'd pass on shooting the starter's pistol at his first race. Certainly don't point it in Oscar's direction, for fear of flashbacks and reprisal. Maybe they can use the "Beep" start?

Is he even planning to compete? What did they do with all the steroids they found at his home?

Agent says WC in Russia are now "on his radar."