Erstellt am: 21. 2. 2013 - 15:41 Uhr

Oscar Pistorius: a surreality check

Reality Check: Pistorius bail hearing, Scottish independence, Salzburg inquiry, Syria-Russia, Sunday assemblies

If it wasn't surreal enough to start with, the case of Oscar Pistorius and the shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, is now taking on dimensions that, if in fiction, would be dismissed as too outlandish to be credible.

EPA

Oscar Pistorius at his bail hearing in Pretoria

Whether or not you find it plausible that someone can wake up in the night and, knowing their partner is in the house, jump to the conclusion that the person in the bathroom is an armed intruder, you have to be impressed by the fact that the chief investigator then turns out to be on murder charges himself.

Although Hilton Botha is apparently a very highly thought of member of the police force and a senior detective, personally, I can't work out why he is still on active duty if he is facing charges of multiple murders while drunk. It doesn't exactly instill confidence in the police force, does it?

Cindy Poluta of Eye Witness News summarises the case still open against Botha, and how it reflects on the police and judicial systems.

Amid all the drama, it is hard to keep in mind that this is not a trial, but just the bail hearing. The question is not of innocence or guilt, but of how Pistorius should spend the time until he goes to trial. However, our South Africa correspondent, Nomsa Maseko, says it is not unusual for evidence to be presented at a bail hearing - what is unusual is the high profile of the case.

And if this is just the bail hearing, what will the trial be like?
Truth is, indeed, sometimes stranger than fiction.

Scottish independence

Scottish National Party member of parliament Angus Robertson discusses the issues at stake in a potential vote on Scottish independence.

Russia and Arab League propose plan for Syria

Russia and the Arab League are appealing to the government in Damascus to open up direct talks with the opposition to put an end to Syria's civil war. Shashank Joshi looks at the proposal, and the chances of success.

Salzburg financial scandal

APA/Barbara Gindl

Monika Rathgeber appears before the investigation into the Salzburg financial scandal.

Her statements will be central to the enquiry, and she has already admitted to not following orders.

Thomas Hofer looks at the political fallout from the continuing scandal.

Sunday Assembly

The British group holding church services... without the religion.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.