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U.S. Judge Delays Trial for Libyan Man Charged in 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing

A federal judge has postponed the trial of a Libyan man charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 due to newly discovered evidence.

25 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: U.S. Judge Delays Trial for Libyan Man Charged in 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing — Archive photoPhoto: PJHaseldine at English Wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

A federal judge in the United States has postponed the trial of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir al-Marimi, a Libyan man charged in connection with the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The trial was set to begin on Wednesday, with jury selection scheduled to take place shortly before the postponement was announced.

The decision to delay the trial was made by US District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who cited the discovery of new evidence that defense attorneys want to examine. The defense team has requested additional time to review this material, which led to the postponement of the trial's proceedings.

The bombing, which occurred on December 21, 1988, resulted in the deaths of 270 people when the aircraft exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland. This trial is significant as it marks the first time a U.S. court will hear a case specifically related to this incident.

Reports indicate that the newly discovered evidence is pivotal for the defense's preparation. While the details of the evidence have not been disclosed, it is seen as a crucial factor in the legal process surrounding the high-profile case.

The allegations against Kheir al-Marimi relate to his role as a former intelligence operative in Libya. He is one of the few individuals facing legal repercussions related to the Lockerbie bombing, which has remained a contentious issue for decades.

Following the judge's ruling, there is no immediate information on when the trial may be rescheduled. The case has garnered significant media attention due to its historical context and the ongoing ramifications of the bombing. The U.S. authorities have been working on this case for nearly 40 years, and the recent developments may further complicate the legal framework surrounding it.

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