the information before the court and applyin

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Several legal groups in South Africa have expressed concern about threats and harsh criticism of the judge who found Oscar Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide, but not guilty of the more serious charge of murder. Some South Africans said they were surprised and even shocked when Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled last week that the Paralympic champion was negligent but did not intend to kill when he fatally shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a closed toilet door. Pistorius said he thought a dangerous intruder was in his house; prosecutors alleged he intentionally killed Steenkamp after an argument. Police protection for Masipa has been stepped up since the verdict Friday in the sensational case, South African media reported. The case will return to the global spotlight when Pistorius, who is free on bail, appears before the judge for a sentencing hearing on Oct. 13. In a statement, three legal groups described a "wave of criticism" directed at Masipa that in some cases could border on hate speech, defamation and contempt of court. The comments include allegations that the judge is corrupt, as well as attacks on her race and gender. "In judging, theres a lot of analysis of the information before the court and applying the law to what is before you," Thabang Pooe, a researcher at legal group SECTION27, said Tuesday. "Attacking the judges integrity and making insinuations of bribery or that shes not fit because shes a woman, or that shes black, means that youre breaking down the belief in the law." Masipa, 66, is a former social worker and journalist who became one of the first black female judges in South Africa, which shed white racist rule in 1994. Her supporters have described her as a symbol of accomplishment in a country where poverty and unemployment remain obstacles for many people. The legal groups, including SECTION27, the Legal Resources Centre and the Centre for Child Law, said people are entitled to disagree with the verdict and that the prosecution can appeal. Prosecutors have said they will decide whether to appeal after sentencing. The sentence for a culpable homicide conviction is at the judges discretion and can range from a suspended sentence and a fine to as much as 15 years in prison. Legal experts have cited five years as a guideline. Meanwhile, South African sports officials have said Pistorius can compete for South Africa again, as long as his running doesnt go against the ruling of the judge. Many legal analysts agreed with the judges ruling that Pistorius could not be found guilty of premeditated murder. But some believe the law supported a conviction on a lesser murder charge on the grounds that Pistorius knew someone -- in his version, a perceived intruder-- was behind the toilet door and also knew that firing four bullets into the door could cause that persons death. James Grant, an associate professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said in an online analysis that "there appear to be errors of law" in Masipas judgment. "The effect is that, if the state does appeal, and one may well expect that it will, Pistorius continues to face the prospect of a murder conviction," Grant wrote. Andrew Wiggins Jersey . "I never commented to anyone that I wanted out," he explained. "My heart is with this group and making the playoffs." Kesler added that the rumours are "completely false" that he asked to be traded - recently or ever. Josh Okogie Jersey . 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Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall.BARCELONA, Spain -- Osasuna beat Getafe 2-0 at home on Sunday to move four points clear of the Spanish leagues relegation zone, while substitute Humberto Osorio scored twice as Valladolid came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Elche. Also, Real Sociedad was held 0-0 at its Anoeta Stadium by Levante and the inspired form of its goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. Osasunas Oriol Riera opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Francisco Silva spotted his run behind Getafes disjointed defence with a long pass that the striker expertly used one touch to lift over goalkeeper Miguel Moya. Roberto Torres capped the win in Pamplona on the break with two minutes to play. The closest Getafe came to scoring was Angel Lafitas header off the upright in the 34th as it remained winless in eight rounds. Elche went ahead on the waterlogged pitch at Valladolids Jose Zorilla Stadium through goals by Ferran "Coro" Corominas in the 34th and Manuel del Moral in the 66th. Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez sent on Osorio in the 69th and the forward responded by scoring in the 71st and 78th.dddddddddddd Valladolids comeback was undermined when newcomer Jeffren Suarez, recently arrived from Sporting Lisbon, was injured with 10 minutes to play and his team had no substitutions to make. The draw left Valladolid in the drop zone, three points from safety. Levante keeper Navas denied Sociedad forwards Imanol Agirretxe and Antoine Griezmann on two occasions each in the first half before stretching to palm Gonzalo Castros shot over his bar in the 69th. Sociedad stayed in sixth place. It hosts Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday looking to overturn its 2-0 loss in the first leg. 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