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Statement from the Deputy Prosecutor, Mr. Graham Blewitt.

Press Release . Communiqué de presse

(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)


OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR
BUREAU DU PROCUREUR


The Hague, 9 March 2001

G.B/P.I.S./573-E


STATEMENT FROM THE DEPUTY PROSECUTOR,

MR. GRAHAM BLEWITT


At a briefing on Wednesday 7 March to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, the Deputy Prosecutor, Graham Blewitt, discussed the role of Judges in hearings of trials and appeals before the Tribunal, and how Judges are elected. He is quoted in the media as saying "Of the new candidates for election, none is experienced as a criminal trial judge". Mr. Blewitt
regrets making this misinformed comment and apologises to the respective candidates and the relevant Member States.


Mr. Blewitt also apologises to the President and the Judges of the Tribunal.


Mr. Blewitt acknowledges that it was inappropriate for him to make any comment that could be taken as reflecting upon the competence of the Judges elected to serve on the Tribunal, and it was not his intention to do so.


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