The family of Libyan citizen, Abu Ajila Masoud filed a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office against his kidnapping and extradition by the Government of National Unity (GNU), to the United States. This was on the grounds of his alleged involvement in the Lockerbie bombing.
In its complaint, the family said that Masoud’s extradition process took place in violation of Libyan law.
On Monday, the family revealed that members of the joint force affiliated with the GNU had arrested Masoud on 17 November. He was detained in the city of Misrata.
A nephew explained that Masoud, who is about 80 years old, was bedridden at the time of his arrest, and suffers from a chronic disease.
The family addressed the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Justice, as well as the Presidential Council, but only received promises and assurances in this regard.
He said that a delegation consisting of about 40 people tried to meet with the GNU Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba. They were unable to do so, and were interviewed by one of his representatives.
The nephew noted that members of the family visited him in the detention center, where they were informed of his imminent release. They noted their surprise at the news of his extradition to the United States.
Notably, Masoud appeared in a US courtroom on Monday, according to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice.
US Attorney General, Merrick B. Garland said the “relentless efforts over the past three decades led to the indictment and arrest of Abu Ajila for his alleged role in building the bomb used in the attack.”
“The defendant is currently in US custody and is facing charges in the United States. This is an important step forward in our mission to honour the victims, and pursue justice on behalf of their loved ones,” Garland added.
“I cannot talk before I see my attorney,” Masoud told US Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather, speaking through an interpreter, according to Reuters.
“Today’s action is another crucial step in delivering justice for the victims of the senseless terrorist attack on Pan Am Flight 103,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco.
“The progress we have made would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of the men and women of the FBI, and the Justice Department, and the assistance of our Scottish partners. My thoughts today are focused on those lost and their loved ones, as the work to achieve justice continues,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
