The court trying former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein has appointed a new judge to preside over the next session.
"The tribunal met today and decided that Judge Raouf Abdel Rahman will head the court," said a court spokesman.
The killings of two defence lawyers have already prompted questions over the US-backed decision to hold the trial in the midst of bitter sectarian and ethnic conflict.
A source close to Kurdish judge Rizgar Amin said last week that tribunal officials were trying to talk him out of his decision to resign as chief judge but that he was reluctant to stay on because Shia leaders had criticised him for being "soft" on Saddam in court.
Technically the departure of the presiding magistrate on the five-judge panel can be overcome by appointing a substitute. But even if he stays, the complaints about government interference from Mr Amin, the much-televised face of the court, may do lasting damage to the credibility of the US-sponsored High Tribunal.
Only one other judge has allowed his face to be shown on television - and only Mr Amin has let his name be published.