Prosecutors Want Oscar Pistorius’ 6 Year Sentence Extended

Olympic blade runner, Oscar Pistorius, was sentenced to 6 years following the 2013 shooting death of his girlfriend in South Africa. Prosecutors, however, feel that Pistorius’ 6 year sentence was too lenient for his crime. 

Initially prosecutors fought for a 15 year sentence. They have filed an appeal with the judge to send case to the Supreme Court of Appeal.  Under South African law, prosecutors can still petition the appeals court directly if the judge declines to do so.   

 “We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.  “That is to say, shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute.” 

 Oscar Pistorius has already began serving his 6 year sentence and will be up for parole in 3 years. He maintains that the shooting was a tragic accident.