The news comes about a week after the chief judge at the trial resigned in protest over political interference in the court.
On 18 January, the "De-Baathification Commission" said the judge chosen to replace Rizgar Amin is being investigated for his Baathist past and should not be allowed to head the tribunal.
It's the latest crisis to threaten a delay of the trial. Earlier, two defense lawyers were killed.
Defense lawyers at the trial and international rights groups have urged the trial to be moved abroad.
(Reuters)