STL appoints new president to replace Cassese

Judge Sir David Baragwanath has been unanimously elected President of the Tribunal and Presiding Judge of the Appeals Chamber, after being proposed by Vice-President Riachy and Judge Cassese.

The appointment of the new President by the Appeals Chamber follows the resignation yesterday, on health grounds, of Judge Antonio Cassese as President. Judge Cassese will continue to serve as a Judge of the Tribunal's Appeals Chamber. "It is a privilege to succeed the highly respected jurist Antonio Cassese", said Judge Baragwanath.

"We are indeed fortunate that that his wisdom and experience will continue to inform our work."  Judge Cassese said that the decision to step down as President was difficult for him personally but it was the correct choice for the Tribunal.

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

He has practiced both as defense and as 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.