Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail, according to CNN:
Citing a number of problems with the police investigation into the death of the Olympic sprinter’s girlfriend…Pistorius will be released after posting bail of 1 million rand (about $114,000) by March 1.
But the real drama unfolded on Twitter as the world weighed in on this present-day O.J. Simpson case.
Some called attention to the simplicity, and perhaps fallibility, of South African law and its take on “reasonable doubt.”
Congratulations. If you’ve watched this entire Oscar #Pistorius bail hearing, you are now qualified to practice law in South Africa.
— Peyton’s Head (@PeytonsHead) February 22, 2013
While some referenced Pistorius’ history of domestic violence.
With reports of screaming & a history of complaints #Pistorius case seems far more like domestic violence than mistaken identity.
— Paul Murray (@PMOnAir) February 14, 2013
Pistorius Case Shines Light On Domestic Violencewbur.fm/VZTxRo #domesticviolence #athlete #pistorius
— DVSSP (@peacefromdv) February 19, 2013
Sports Illustrated reports about previous domestic violence police reports:
In 2009, Pistorius was arrested for assault when he slammed a door on a woman.
People are also weighing in on Pistorius’ history with alcohol and his chronic paranoia.
In a 2009 interview with the New York Times, Pistorius tells about his previous “home intrusion” scares.
He mentioned that a security alarm in the house had gone off the previous night, and he had grabbed his gun and tiptoed downstairs. (It turned out to be nothing.)
Circumstances are different for everyone. It was Pistorius’ paranoia which was his downfall.
— Dean Reilly (@dean_reilly1) February 22, 2013
RT @margieorford: Fear of crime: it is NOT our national madness. Paranoia is being made to seem the new normal in the #Pistorius hearing
— Not Ur Average Plate (@AmeeraBlitz) February 21, 2013
Still others took a lighter approach to the whole ordeal.
Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and now Oscar #Pistorius. Nike should start telling their athletes “Don’t Do It”.
— Prince Charles (@Charles_HRH) February 22, 2013
All kinds of records could be set simply by letting Oscar Pistorius fire the starting pistol at the Women’s 100 metres
— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 22, 2013