South African court orders Pistorius to undergo mental evaluation
- 10 years ago
Oscar Pistorius will undergo a mental illness evaluation.
That was the order on Wednesday from a High Court judge in South Africa, where the Olympic track star is on trial for murder.
The move could determine whether Pistorius lacked "criminal capacity" when he shot dead his girlfriend on Valentine's Day last year.
Pistorius's uncle told reporters the family welcomes the decision.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) OSCAR PISTORIUS' UNCLE, ARNOLD PISTORIUS, SAYING:
"As a family, we are comforted by the thoroughness and detail of this judgment, and Judge Masipa's commitment, using every avenue to ensure a fair trial, it's about a fair trial. It reaffirms our confidence in the South African justice system."
The prosecution asked for the mental evaluation after a psychiatrist told the court on Monday that Pistorius suffered from an anxiety disorder.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued he didn't want to see Pistorius appeal a conviction later on the basis of mental ill
That was the order on Wednesday from a High Court judge in South Africa, where the Olympic track star is on trial for murder.
The move could determine whether Pistorius lacked "criminal capacity" when he shot dead his girlfriend on Valentine's Day last year.
Pistorius's uncle told reporters the family welcomes the decision.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) OSCAR PISTORIUS' UNCLE, ARNOLD PISTORIUS, SAYING:
"As a family, we are comforted by the thoroughness and detail of this judgment, and Judge Masipa's commitment, using every avenue to ensure a fair trial, it's about a fair trial. It reaffirms our confidence in the South African justice system."
The prosecution asked for the mental evaluation after a psychiatrist told the court on Monday that Pistorius suffered from an anxiety disorder.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued he didn't want to see Pistorius appeal a conviction later on the basis of mental ill