(MENAFN- Kora) Pistorius, 27, is accused of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14 last year
Judge Dunstan Mlambo explained ahead of the trial, which begins on Monday, that certain elements of the proceedings € such as the opening and closing arguments, and prosecution and expert testimonies € would be broadcast
He also confirmed that audio coverage of the "entire trial in live transmissions, delayed broadcasts and/or extracts of the proceedings" would be allowed
However, Pistorius will not be filmed and neither will defence witnesses, although there will be audio coverage of their testimonies, while prosecution witnesses can appeal against being filmed, with the presiding judge to rule on such matters
"In balancing the competing rights at stake it is my view that the objection by Pistorius of the audio-visual recording of him and some of his witnesses should not be taken lightly," judge Mlambo explained
"I am of the view that the objection, in-so-far as it relates to audio-visual or televising and still photography of Pistorius and his witnesses when they testify, has the potential to deprive him of a fair trial
"I am persuaded that there is merit in his fears and that of his witnesses that they may be disabled somewhat in giving evidence.
"On the other hand audio coverage in my view does not carry the same inhibitory or intrusive potential as the audio-visual form of coverage. In my view whilst there may be no visual image of Pistorius and his witnesses as they testify they should, however, be heard on radio.
Mlambo went on to explain there was a notion that the justice system in the country was "perceived as treating the rich and famous with kid cloves (sic) whilst being harsh on the poor and vulnerable".
He continued: "Enabling a larger South African society to follow first-hand the criminal proceedings which involve a celebrity, so to speak, will go a long way into dispelling these negative and unfounded perceptions about the justice system, and will inform and educate society regarding the conduct of criminal proceedings.
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