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Pistorius trial closing arguments

August 7, 2014

South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius' trial has entered its end phase, with lawyers set to deliver their closing arguments. The sprinter faces a minimum of 25 years in jail if convicted of premeditated murder.

https://p.dw.com/p/1CqcK
South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius pictured in the dock during his ongoing murder trial, Pretoria, South Africa, 30 June 2014. Pistorius stands trial for the premeditated murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013. EPA/IHSAAN HAFFEJEE
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Pistorius arrived back in court on Thursday for the final showdown between prosecution and defense lawyers in the athlete's trial for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkemp.

Over the course of two days, Pistorius' defense advocate Barry Roux and the notoriously robust state prosecutor Gerrie Nel are set to deliver their closing verdicts in a dramatic trial.

Nel, in particular, has become known for his relentless and combative style of cross-examination. The court has also witnessed Pistorius wailing and vomiting as the graphic details were described of Steenkamp's injuries.

Lawyers for the 27-year-old double amputee claim Pistorius shot Steenkamp by accident while she was in the bathroom at his home in Pretoria, believing her to be an intruder.

However, when prosecutor Nel addressed the court, he accused Pistorius of being a "deceitful witness," adding that his testimony was "absolutely devoid of any truth." The prosecution maintains that the defendant deliberately killed the 29-year-old model after the couple had an argument.

Pistorius' trial was postponed for a month while he was examined at a state mental facility, but a panel of experts found he did not suffer from a psychological disorder.

The hearing is due to last until Friday, at the end of which Judge Thokozile Masipa is due to adjourn the case to consider a final verdict. Both legal teams have already submitted their written arguments.

If found guilty of premeditated murder, Pistorius - a gold medallist Paralympian who achieved international fame when he competed alongside able bodied runners in the London 2012 Olympics - faces a minimum 25-year jail sentence. Even if found innocent, he could still be convicted on alternative charges of murder or culpable homicide.

rc/hc (AFP, AP, dpa)