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Starstruck fans of convicted killer and former Olympian Oscar Pistorius showed up in a South African court Monday holding signs borrowing the slogan that emerged after two jihadi brothers slaughtered 12 people at the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

Pistorius had a cadre of sign-waving supporters outside court on Monday.ReutersPistorius had a cadre of sign-waving supporters outside court on Monday.Reuters
Pistorius leaves court on Monday.APPistorius leaves court on Monday.AP

Instead of “Je suis Charlie” — “I am Charlie,” meant to show solidarity in the wake of the 2015 murders — their signs read “Je suis Oscar.”

“I’ve always believed it was a terrible accident. He has no history of violence. No history of domestic violence,” said supporter Heather Malcherczyk, who traveled from the UK to back Pistorius. “This is a violent country. He acted out of fear.”

Others placards at the hearing read “Trial by media,” “Global Character Assassination,” “Oscar was abused & bullied in front of the world” and “Discrimination of Disability.”

A judge in Pretoria scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 13-17, when the court will determine punishment for Pistorius for the Feb. 14, 2013, slaying of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius, 29, had been convicted of manslaughter by a trial judge. But prosecutors appealed and a higher court ruled that Pistorius was guilty of murder.

The Olympian faces a 15-year minimum, but he could argue for a lesser sentence.

The double amputee said he shot Steenkamp through a bathroom door, mistakenly believing she was an intruder.

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