01.07.10 - ICTR/KAREMERA - ICTR CLEARS AMERICAN LAWYER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT

Arusha, July 01, 2010 (FH) - Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Wednesday cleared of contempt proceedings it had initiated against American lawyer Peter Robinson, counsel for genocide-accused Joseph Nzirorera, for refusing to conduct examination of defence witnesses.

Robinson had refused to lead witnesses called to defend Nzirorera for fear of being subjected to prosecution like his colleague American Professor Peter Erlinder, who was arrested in Rwanda recently and subsequently charged with genocide denial.

"The Chamber has been satisfied that there are no conducts of obstructing court proceedings. Since there are no further actions of possible contempt that will be taken against Robinson, the matter is closed," Presiding Judge Dennis Byron said.

Asked about his comments on the ruling, Peter Robison said; ‘' I am relieved that I will not be tried for contempt.  It was a big distraction from my work of representing my client, Joseph Nzirorera.''

However, Joseph Nzirorera died a few hours later "from sudden complication of a long illness", according to an ICTR press release.

FK/NI/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency

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