U.S. Judge Sets January Jury Selection for Libyan Bombing Defendant
A federal judge has moved the start of jury selection in Washington, D.C., to Jan. 19 for Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi, accused of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.
Federal Judge Dabney Friedrich announced that jury selection for the case against former Libyan intelligence official Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi will commence on Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C., after a prior start date of Aug. 26 was delayed. The delay was granted so defense counsel could examine newly discovered evidence, the nature of which was not revealed during a recent pre-trial hearing. The judge indicated she will verify prospective juror availability before setting a final trial timetable.
Al-Marimi is accused of building the bomb that exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, killing all 259 aboard and 11 people on the ground. Prosecutors allege the attack was carried out on orders from former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. At roughly mid-70s, Al-Marimi faces two counts of aircraft destruction resulting in death, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
His attorney Laura Koenig said the defense will need to call new witnesses and present additional expert testimony. The trial is projected to run for about two months.
Why it matters
The case revisits the Lockerbie bombing, a historic terrorist attack, and could result in a life sentence for the alleged mastermind.
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