Pistorius’ lawyer, Brian Webber, told The Associated Press: “We’re considering our position.”
Pistorius’ family accepted the decision but was also considering their options, spokeswoman Anneliese Burgess told the AP.
The justice minister’s decision to review Pistorius’ early release was “valid,” said Mannie Witz, a South African criminal law expert, but continuing Pistorius’ detention could be challenged in court. The review would not affect Pistorius’ future eligibility for release, Witz said.
The star athlete was acquitted of murder at his dramatic trial last year, but convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, comparable to manslaughter, for shooting Steenkamp multiple times through a closed toilet door in his home.
Pistorius is also facing an appeal at the Supreme Court in November, when prosecutors will again press for a murder conviction and a minimum jail sentence of 15 years.
The family of Steenkamp had said in June when Pistorius’ impending release was announced that “incarceration of 10 months for taking a life is simply not enough.”
There was also opposition to Pistorius being allowed out early by a women’s group, which sent a petition on Monday to Justice Minister Masutha.
In that petition, the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa said the decision of the parole board was “outrageous” and “an insult” to victims of abuse. The group especially criticized Pistorius’ release during August, which is women’s month in South Africa and a time when issues including violence against women are highlighted.
Article Appeared @http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2015/08/19/oscar-pistorius-release-prison-hold/31983395/