The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on Tuesday affirmed Léonidas Nshogoza’s conviction for contempt and sentence of 10 months in prison.

The Appeals Chamber made the ruling following an appeal by Nshogoza requesting that the Appeals Chamber reverse his conviction and enter a complete acquittal, or in the alternative,review and reduce his sentence.

The Appeals Chamber, however found that the accused failed to demonstrate any error in the Trial Chamber’s assessment of the aggravating factors surrounding his offence.

Nshogoza, former defence investigator during the trial of Jean de Dieu Kamuhanda, was convicted by the Trial Chamber on one count; for committing contempt of the Tribunal by repeatedly meeting with and disclosing the protected information of witnesses in knowing violation of, or with reckless indifference to the protective measures ordered by the Kamuhanda Trial Chamber on 7 July 2000.

He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment. The chamber however gave him credit for time served, having been in custody of the Tribunal since 8 February 2008 and thus ordered his immediate release.

Nshogoza voluntarily surrendered to the ICTR in Arusha, Tanzania on 8 February 2008 and was immediately placed under ICTR custody.

(ICTR)