An Australian judge sentenced former army lawyer David McBride to almost six years in prison on Tuesday for leaking classified information to the media that revealed allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan.

David McBride, 60, received a sentence of five years and eight months in a Canberra court after pleading guilty to three charges, including theft and sharing secret documents with the press. He had faced a potential life sentence.

Justice David Mossop ruled that McBride must serve 27 months in prison before being eligible for parole.

Rights advocates argue that McBride’s conviction and sentencing, which occurred before any alleged war criminals he exposed were prosecuted, highlight the lack of whistleblower protections in Australia.

McBride addressed his supporters as he walked his dog to the front door of the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court to be sentenced.