Disclosing a covert agent's name is a criminal offence in the US, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

BBC: NEWS | Americas | Contempt ruling in CIA leak case

He is not charged with deliberately disclosing the name of a covert agent, which is a federal offense.

CNN: Ex-Cheney aide pleads not guilty

Kiriakou pleaded guilty in October to disclosing classified information identifying a covert agent.

BBC: Ex-CIA officer Kiriakou 'made peace' with leak decision