Decision on Pistorius Release Coming Next Month

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 17: Oscar Pistorius leaves the North Gauteng High Court after the fifth day of sentencing on October 17, 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa. The defence and the state have now concluded their arguments and the judge will now deliver her sentence decision on Tuesday 21st October. Pistorius having been found guilty of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder. (Photo by Charlie Shoemaker/Getty Images)

(ATR) South Africa's parole review board will meet on Sept. 18 to decide whether Olympian Oscar Pistorius can be released early from prison.

Last week, the double-amputee's release was put on hold by the Department of Justice in South Africa.

The Olympic sprinter, convicted of fatally shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, was due to be released on Aug. 21 after serving 10 months of a five-year sentence.

Pistorius was considered for release in June, eight months into his sentence, something that the state says should not have happened until this month.

"It is apparent therefore that the decision to release him on 21 August 2015 was made prematurely on 5 June 2015 when the offender was not eligible to be considered at all," read a statement from the justice department.

Even if he is released early, Pistorius could return to prison. Prosecutors are preparing to argue that his conviction be upgraded to murder in November.

If prosecutors succeed, Pistorius will face a minimum term of 15 years in prison.

Last December, the judge in the Olympian's trial ruled that prosecutors could appeal his acquittal on premeditated murder charges.

Prosecutors say the judge misinterpreted the law in her dismissal of the premeditated murder charge, citing a section of South African law called dolus eventualis.

Written byNicole Bennett

For general comments or questions,click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.