Mr Didier Preira newly elected Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Court

On Tuesday 9 September 2008, the judges meeting in plenary session elected by an absolute majority Mr. Didier Preira of Senegal as Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Court for a five-year term, in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence,. He will take up his functions at a date to be determined shortly. 

Mr. Preira holds a Masters Degree in Private Law and has extensive experience in international law, criminal law, and the judicial management aspects of international criminal law.

Since August 2004 he has been the Head of the Division of Victims and Counsel in the Registry of the ICC. In 1999 he joined the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) initially as Deputy Chief of the Defence Counsel and Detention Management Section and then as Chief of the Section. From 1988 to 1999 he was senior partner in the Law Firm Konate & Preira, a Barrister of the Senegalese Bar Association and member of the Executive Board of the Senegalese Bar Association.

The responsibilities of the Registry, as one of the four organs of the Court, include security, public information and documentation, legal advisory and the management of administrative services such as budget, finance, procurement, general services, human resources and information technology. In addition two other distinct areas fall within the remit of the Registry:  court services (including language services, the detention unit, witness protection and support) and services to counsel and victims (including defence support and assistance to victims seeking participation and reparation).

The Deputy Registrar will assist the Registrar, Ms. Silvana Arbia in anticipating, planning, guiding and evaluating the work of the Registry, will represent her in meetings as required, and will help to ensure proper communication with the other organs of the Court and with relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Didier Preira is the first Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Court.

For further information, please contact Ms Claudia Perdomo, Acting Head of the Public Information and Documentation Section, at +31 (0)70 515-8514,  +31(0)625221177; or at [email protected]