U.S. Judge Postpones Lockerbie Bombing Trial of Libyan Suspect

A U.S. judge has postponed the trial of Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi, the Libyan man accused of bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1988. The trial was originally set for May 12 but has been delayed due to complexities in the case and the need for adequate preparation. Key issues include the admissibility of a confession allegedly made by Masud in Libya.

A United States judge has agreed to postpone the trial of Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi, who is accused of constructing the bomb that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1988. Originally scheduled to commence on May 12 in Washington, the trial’s start date has been delayed following requests from both the prosecution and defense. The new date remains undetermined as discussions continue.

Masud has denied involvement in the bombing that resulted in the deaths of all 259 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 747, as well as 11 individuals on the ground when debris struck their homes. In his early 70s, Masud holds dual citizenship in Libya and Tunisia and is currently undergoing treatment for a non-life-threatening medical condition.

Prosecutors cited the complexity of the case as a reason for the delay, emphasizing the necessary time for adequate preparation for pre-trial hearings. The defense team pointed out issues surrounding extensive discovery, which includes evidence from various countries and the need to formulate an effective defense strategy.

Judge Dabney Friedrich of the U.S. District Court has agreed to the postponement of the trial. A status conference is expected to take place next month to further discuss the case. Masud was first identified as a suspect in 2015 following the collapse of the Gaddafi regime in Libya, rejuvenating the investigation into Lockerbie.

In 2020, former U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced formal charges against Masud for the destruction of an aircraft that led to fatalities. He was apprehended by U.S. authorities in 2022 after being seized from his home in Tripoli.

A crucial pre-trial issue will likely involve the admissibility of a purported confession made by Masud in a Libyan prison in 2012, where he allegedly admitted to building the bomb for the Libyan intelligence service and identified two accomplices. Abdelbasset Al Megrahi was convicted of the bombing, while his co-accused, Al Amin Khalifah Fhimah, was acquitted. Megrahi passed away in Tripoli in 2012 after being liberated on compassionate grounds.

The trial of Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi concerning the Lockerbie bombing has been delayed, allowing for necessary preparations from both the prosecution and defense. This complex case continues to develop as legal teams address evidentiary issues, including a potential confession linked to Masud. The case remains pivotal, recalling the tragic event that occurred over three decades ago, necessitating ongoing legal proceedings to seek justice for the victims.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk