US Judge Grants Delay in Lockerbie Bombing Trial of Abu Agila Mas’ud | UK News
The trial of a man accused of aiding in the creation of the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie more than three decades ago has been postponed, as confirmed by US court documents.
Libyan national Abu Agila Mas’ud was slated to stand trial in Washington on May 12, but district court judge Dabney L Friedrich has permitted a delay following requests from both the prosecution and defense.
As stated in a court document, attorneys highlighted the case’s complexity and the insufficient time available to adequately prepare for pretrial proceedings and the trial itself.
Lawyers also pointed to the issue of “extensive discovery, including evidence located internationally,” emphasizing the need for the defense to establish a suitable strategy for the case.
A new trial date has yet to be determined.
Abu Agila Mas’ud. Pic: Alexandria Sheriff’s Office/Reuters
Mas’ud faces three charges in connection with the attack.
When the Boeing 747 detonated over the Dumfries and Galloway town of Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, it resulted in the deaths of all 259 passengers and crew members on board, along with 11 individuals on the ground.
The bombing, which occurred while the aircraft was traveling from London to New York, is recorded as the UK’s deadliest terrorist attack.
After a trial at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands, Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al Megrahi was convicted of mass murder in 2001 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In 2008, he was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer and released the following year on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government.
Abdelbaset al Megrahi leaving Glasgow for Tripoli in 2009. Pic: PA
Upon his return to Tripoli, Megrahi was greeted by cheering crowds and maintained his innocence until his passing in May 2012.
It has always been the Crown’s position that Megrahi conspired with others to commit this crime.
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A representative for Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) stated: “We recognize that the possibility of delay may be frustrating for those affected, but we urge them not to feel disheartened.
“Scottish prosecutors have a long-standing commitment to pursuing those accountable for the bombing of Pan Am 103.
“We will continue to move forward with steadfast determination and will keep supporting US authorities in the prosecution of Mas’ud.”
