Judge allows copy of Lockerbie bombing suspect's confession as evidence

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 20:02 · Archive

A US judge has ruled that a copy of an alleged confession by Libyan suspect Abu Agila Masud can be used as evidence in his trial over the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which occurred almost 40 years ago. Masud's defence team had sought to exclude the statement, taken in Libya by a police officer known as Jamal, because it was not the original document. Judge Dabney Friedrich rejected this motion on Thursday, ruling it admissible.

The United States District Court in Washington heard that prosecutors had made efforts to obtain the original statement in Libya but had been unable to do so and it was 'beyond reach' of the judicial process. Masud, now in his mid-70s, is charged with two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.

Masud claims he was forced into making a false confession during his detention in 2012, and his lawyers have challenged the statement. The trial, concerning the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history, is due to start on 19 January. It had originally been scheduled for August but was postponed after the disclosure of new evidence that defence lawyers wanted to examine. A recent court hearing revealed the fresh material involved one new witness.

How it is being reported

• Major breakthrough in Lockerbie bombing case as judge makes key rulingA COPY of an alleged confession by a Libyan man accused of making the bomb that blew up Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie almost 40 years ago can be used at his trial, a US judge has ruled.The National · 15 Oct, 19:29
• Lockerbie bombing suspect's 'confession' copy can be used in trial, US judge rulesAbu Agila Masud claims he was forced into making a false confession 14 years ago that he was involved in the Lockerbie bombing.Daily Record · 15 Oct, 18:45

In this story: Abu Agila Masud · Judge Dabney Friedrich · Lockerbie · Libya · Pan Am Flight 103

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