Eric Koi Senessie, an RUF ex-combatant, was convicted on four counts of offering a bribe, and on four counts of otherwise attempting to induce, Prosecution witnesses in the Taylor trial to recant their testimony.
Contempt Trial Timeline
3 & 7 February 2011 - Urgent Prosecution motions alleging interference with Taylor Prosecution witnesses (First motion) Mohamed Bereteh Kabba (TF1-568), Aruna Gbonda (TF1-330), and two protected witnesses, TF1-585 and TF1-516; and (Second motion) TF1-274 and TF1-585.
5 February 2011 - The Trial Chamber (unanimously on first motion; by a majority on second motion) requests Registrar to appoint independent counsel to look into the allegations.
18 March 2011 - The Registrar appoints an Independent Investigator.
2 April 2011 - The Independent Investigator (henceforth Independent Counsel) submits his confidential report to the Trial Chamber.
24 May 2011 - Trial Chamber issues "order in lieu of an indictment"; designates Justice Teresa Doherty to hear the case.
15 July 2011 - Initial Appearance. Senessie pleads not guilty on all counts.
8 June 2012 - Pre-trial Conference.
11 June 2012 - Opening of trial.
21 June 2012 - Judgment. Senessie is found guilty on 8 of the 9 counts.
4 July 2012 - Sentencing hearing. Prosecution recommends a 5-7 year sentence and a Le2 million fine. Defence recommends a Le2 million fine and no custodial sentence. In his allocution, Senessie admits his guilt and claims he was acting under instructions from former SCSL investigator Prince Taylor.
5 July 2012 - Sentencing Judgement. Senessie is sentenced to a two-year term in prison.
4 September 2012 - The Appeals Chamber dismisses Senessie's application for review.
13 June 2014 - Senessie is released after completing his sentence.