Pistorius verdict restores faith in the judiciary

A reader praises South Africa's judiciary for punishing Oscar Pistorius. Other topics: Oman transport, tenants, human trafficking, terrorism, GCC rail, UK thug

A reader praises South Africa’s judiciary for punishing Oscar Pistorius. Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters

Over the past many years of competitive global sports, the industry has produced more male criminals than their female counterparts.

Whether it is murder, adultery, match fixing or tax evasion, the crimes have mostly been the preserve of men.

From South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje’s involvement with Indian bookies to the philandering Tiger Woods, from Lance Armstrong’s steroid indulgence to Oscar Pistorius and OJ Simpsons murdering their lovers, and Lionel Messi’s tax case to Mike Tyson’s bouts of spousal abuse, the industry has been sullied by illustrious people whose on-field fame made them believe they were above the law.

Pistorius’s defence team’s plea for a leaner sentence or even community service was rightly denied this week, restoring faith in a judiciary that has treated famous people in the same way as ordinary mortals.

AR Modak, South Africa

Oman needs public transport

We had visited Muscat during the Eid holidays and felt that the culture of using public transport does not exist there (Oman plans transport overhaul for traffic woes, October 24.

The town centre is far from residential areas, making it nearly impossible for people to commute without cars. That creates a problem for thousands of people who don’t have cars. This is why an efficient transport system is the need of the hour and will be welcomed by the public.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Tenants should have some rights

In reference to the question-and-answer column Can tenant take artificial grass and swimming pool when leaving Dubai villa? (October 22), I would like to think that if the tenant has paid for the installation of things such as artificial grass or a portable swimming pool, he should be able to take them when leaving that place. The rule concerning this must be clear.

Emma B, Dubai

Effort needed to curb trafficking

The suggestion by Maj Mansoor Al Shamsi, head of the Dubai Police anti-human trafficking and crimes unit, that Gulf countries form a coalition to track, investigate and prosecute human traffickers is practical (Call for Gulf coalition to combat trafficking, October 22).

Human trafficking is a scourge that should be tackled together by all countries.

It’s sad that human trafficking is spreading, which indicates that more efforts are needed to take on this menace. There is no more time to waste. What is needed is action.

K Ragavan, India

Try to keep terrorists away

I refer to the news report Europe besieged by terrorists (October 22). I wonder why European countries are allowing people who have joined terrorist organisations to return. I think they should make a rule that if anyone joins groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIL, then that person will lose his or her citizenship. They must be kept out for the sake of safety of innocent people.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Don’t let them back in, no matter what. These people will do more harm than good to any nation.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

Thug got what he deserved

Philip Spence, who attacked the Emirati sisters in London, deserves a life sentence(Life should mean life, October 23). He is a dangerous member of society and should never be released.

Shakankiri Marie Ange, Dubai

He has left one of the Emirati sisters in a prison of disability. She cannot have her normal life back, so why should he? He terrorised the whole family and used extreme violence.

Jennifer Wilkinson Bielitz, Dubai

GCC rail service will be great fun

Trains are the way to go. Make them clean and green.

Name withheld by request

Materialising the plan will be a great achievement. I wish best of luck to the governments of GCC countries.

Ahmer Khan, Dubai