08.02.08 - ICTR/SURRENDER - DEFENCE INVESTIGATOR SURRENDERS TO UN TRIBUNAL IN ARUSHA

Arusha, 8 February 2008 (FH) - Leonidas Nshogoza, a Rwandan lawyer accused by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) of bribing a witness, surrendered Friday to the UN Court, reports the Hirondelle Agency.

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"I learned that I am indicted and have decided to surrender myself so that justice is done", stated Mr Nshogoza, as he stepped into the tribunal premises and escorted by several ICTR defence lawyers and investigators.

"I want to prove my innocence ", he stressed.

Wearing a blue suit and looking relaxed, Mr Nshogoza was received  by the Deputy Registrar, Everard O'Donnell.

On Monday, ICTR made public the arrest warrant issued against the lawyer.

However, the accused's indictment remains confidential.

Mr. Nshogoza worked as an investigator in the defence team of Emmanuel Rukundo, a Catholic Priest on trial before the ICTR.

The lawyer was arrested in June by Rwandan authorities, but about six months later was released on bail, pending details from the ICTR.

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© Hirondelle News Agency