Judge Christoph Flügge (Germany) was today sworn in as a permanent judge of the Tribunal. Judge Flügge replaces Judge Wolfgang Schomburg who resigned from the ICTY, effective 18 November 2008.

This appointment is made by the Secretary-General in accordance with article 13 bis, paragraph 2 of the ICTY Statute, which reads:

“In the event of a vacancy in the Chambers amongst the permanent judges elected or appointed in accordance with this article, after consultation with the Presidents of the Security Council and of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General shall appoint a person meeting the qualifications of article 13 of the Statute, for the remainder of the term of office concerned”

The biography for Judge Flügge, as well as all other permanent and ad litem judges, can be found on the Tribunal’s website at http://www.un.org/icty/cases-e/factsheets/organs-e.htm.

The Tribunal has 16 permanent judges elected by the UN General Assembly, as well as ad litem judges who are appointed to sit on a specific trial.