The family of Abu Ajila Masoud, the Libyan national accused of involvement in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, has strongly rejected the recent US court decision to delay his trial. In a statement released by his son, Hisham, the family denounced the postponement, claiming Masoud is now facing life imprisonment without a formal court ruling.
Masoud stands accused by US authorities of assembling the explosive device used in the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people. He was extradited to the United States in December 2022, following his controversial handover by Libyan authorities, a move that continues to spark criticism and debate in Libya.
The Tripoli Court of Appeals initially ruled the extradition illegal. However, Masoud remains detained in the US. Last week, US District Judge Dabney Friedrich approved the prosecution’s request to delay the trial, citing the complexity of the case and the need for more time to prepare pre-trial proceedings. No new trial date has been set.
Masoud’s family condemned what they described as a “bizarre alliance” between the prosecution and defence, accusing both sides of undermining Masoud’s legal rights. “He faces life imprisonment without a trial and without formal charges that would allow his case to be presented in court,” the family stated.
Currently held at a prison hospital in Carolina, Masoud’s health is reportedly deteriorating. His son confirmed he recently underwent surgery to amputate several toes due to diabetes complications.
Masoud’s family insists on his innocence, rejecting any Libyan involvement in the Lockerbie bombing. They are demanding his immediate release and full compensation for what they describe as his “illegal abduction and unjust imprisonment.”
