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          Prosecution Continues Questioning Pistorius in Murder Trial

   by VOA News

   Oscar Pistorius returns to the witness stand Thursday, as the
   prosecution continues its cross-examination of the South African runner
   charged with murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
   Lead prosecutor Gerrie Nel began questioning Pistorius on Wednesday in
   a tough manner that, at some points, reduced the athlete to tears.
   Nel pressed Pistorius to take responsibility for killing Steenkamp, and
   told him to look at a graphic picture of her bloodied head displayed on
   a monitor in the courtroom.
   "I know you don't want to because you don't want to take
   responsibility, but it's time that you look at it. Take responsibility
   for what you've done, Mr. Pistorius," said Nel.
   "My lady, I've taken responsibility by me waiting and not wanting to
   live my life, but waiting for my time on this stand to tell my story
   for the respect of Reeva and for myself, I've taken responsibility, but
   I will not look at a picture where I'm tormented by what I saw and felt
   that night. As I picked Reeva up, my fingers touched her head. I
   remember. I don't have to look at a picture, I was there," said
   Pistorius.
   The judge called for a break so that Pistorius could compose himself.
   Later in the day, Nel accused Pistorius of focusing on the implications
   of his answers.
   "If I was sitting here and I wouldn't think of any implication of what
   I say it would be reckless, my life is on the line, of course I think
   of every single word that I say when I am sitting," said Nel. "Reeva
   doesn't have a life anymore, because of what you've done, she's not
   alive anymore, so please listen to the questions and give us the truth
   and not think of implications for you, Mr. Pistorius."
   Prosecutors say Pistorius intentionally shot Steenkamp at his home last
   year. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.
   The athlete claims he thought he was shooting an intruder when he fired
   shots through a locked backroom door.
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   torius-in-murder-trial/1890201.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/prosecution-continues-questioning-pistorius-in-murder-trial/1890201.html