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            Judge Orders Pistorius to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation

   by VOA News

   A South African judge has ordered runner Oscar Pistorius to undergo
   psychiatric tests, bringing a stop to his trial on charges he murdered
   his girlfriend at his home last year.

   Judge Thokozile Masipa announced her ruling Wednesday, saying the move
   is not a punishment for Pistorius, but rather to make sure he gets a
   fair trial.

   Prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked for the evaluation after a defense witness
   testified this week that Pistorius had an anxiety disorder that causes
   fear and worry. Nel said he did not want Pistorius to use such a
   condition as the basis for a possible appeal later on.

   Masipa said Wednesday she will give the full details of the order when
   the court reconvenes next Tuesday, and that Pistorius may be evaluated
   on an outpatient basis.

   Pistorius says he thought he was shooting at a nighttime intruder when
   he killed Reeva Steenkamp. Prosecutors say he intentionally shot her
   through the closed bathroom door after a heated argument.

   If convicted, he could face life in prison.

   Pistorius is known as the "blade runner" for his carbon-fiber
   prosthetic legs. In 2012, he became the first double amputee to compete
   in the Olympics.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/judge-orders-pistorius-to-undergo-psy
   chiatric-evaluation/1914175.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/judge-orders-pistorius-to-undergo-psychiatric-evaluation/1914175.html