Judges Baragwanath and Riachi re-elected as Tribunal President and Vice-President

On March 13, Judge Sir David Baragwanath was re-elected unanimously as the Tribunal's President and Presiding Judge of the Appeals Chamber.

The Appeals Chamber also voted unanimously to re-elect Judge Ralph Riachi of Lebanon as the Vice-President. They will now serve 18-month terms.

Judge Baragwanath was first elected President after Judge Antonio Cassese stepped down in October 2011 on health grounds. Under the Tribunal's Rules, Judges Baragwanath and Riachi continued to serve in their posts, following the end of their mandate (Rule 35(C)).

The Appeals Chamber had to be fully constituted before an election could take place. The swearing-in ceremony of Judge Nsereko marked the return of the Appeals Chamber to full strength.

Judge Baragwanath brings nearly fifty years of legal experience to the Presidency.

He has practiced both as a defense and as a prosecution counsel.

He has extensive experience in New Zealand as a High Court and Court of Appeal judge. He was also President of the New Zealand Law Commission.