Watch VideoThe U.S. isn't unique in its seemingly insatiable taste for high profile trials – the trial of Paraolympian Oscar Pistorius in South Africa is whipping up a media frenzy just days before it begins.*"Olympic and Paraolympic track star Oscar Pistorius" *(Via MSNBC)
*"Blade Runne, Oscar Pistorius" *(Via Fox News)
*"athlete Oscar Pistorius" *(Via BBC)
*"Oscar Pistorius" *(Via CNN)
Being hailed as South Africa's "trial of the century" by CNN, Pistorius faces charges for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day 2013. He claims to have mistook her for a burglar when he shot her in his home in South Africa's capital.
While testimony from Pistorius and defense witnesses will not be shown on TV, a South Afircan judge ruled in February that the rest of the proceedings will be broadcasted for millions around the world to watch. (Via New York Daily News)
The wide coverage has sparked an outcry from Pistorius's family, who've already had enough of the the media frenzy surrounding the trial.
Pistorius's uncle, Arnold Pistorius, spoke Saturday saying: *"We will not be commenting on any media reports, nor will we be engaging the press on any issues that belong in court. The time for public commentary is over." *(Via The Guardian)
A writer at The Washington Post is comparing the trial's media buzz to that of O.J. Simpson's by drawing parallels between the athletes' status and race, the victim and the evidence. In the end, he chalks it up to fate, saying:
*"People might disagree with the verdict in the Simpson case, but he was found not guilty. In South Africa, where a judge, not a jury, will reach a decision, Pistorius's fate hangs in the balance."*
Pistorius's trial is set to begin March 3. Reported by Newsy 27 minutes ago.