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Johannesburg • Oscar Pistorius' family says they will not be distracted by any "extraneous issues" as the spotlight shines intensely on the double-amputee Olympian just days before his murder trial.

Pistorius' family said in a statement Saturday that the legal process "must now be allowed to unfold."

The statement, attributed to Pistorius' uncle Arnold Pistorius, says "the focus is now entirely on a very serious trial that is set to start this Monday. We love Oscar, and believe in him, and will be standing by him throughout the coming trial."

Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Feb. 14 last year. He faces a possible life sentence with 25 years before parole if convicted.

The Associated Press