Terrorist Trial Tracker

After 34 years, on December 11, 2022 the U.S. arrests its 1st suspect to stand trial in U.S. courts, for the 2nd deadliest terrorist attack against America. The U.S. Department of Justice obtains custody to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi for his alleged role as bomb-maker, in the attack of Pan American flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi

Pre-Trial Notices & Hearings

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

February 01, 2024

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update regarding the potential for victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing to remotely access proceedings in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that would provide statutory authority for the District Court overseeing the court case to provide victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing remote video and telephonic access to the proceedings. On December 6, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed that bill by unanimous consent with one minor amendment. On December 11, 2023, the same bill, labeled H.R. 6714, was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. On January 18, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6714 by a vote of 413-7. The bill was presented to the President on January 24, 2024, and he signed it into law on January 26, 2024. The legislation has been designated Public Law No. 118-37, and publicly available information about it is available at the following link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3250/text. 

This case has been set for trial on May 12, 2025, and the next status conference is scheduled for April 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern U.S. time.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

January 19, 2024

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update regarding the potential for victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing to remotely access proceedings in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that, if passed, would provide statutory authority for the District Court overseeing the court case to provide victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing remote video and telephonic access to the proceedings.

On December 6, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed that bill by unanimous consent with one minor amendment.

On December 11, 2023, the same bill, labeled H.R. 6714, was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. On January 18, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6714 by a vote of 413-7.

Presentment to the President is scheduled for January 19, 2024. Beginning at midnight on the day of Presentment, the President will have 10 days, excluding Sundays, to either sign or veto the bill. If he does not sign or veto during those 10 days, then it automatically becomes law as long as Congress is in session.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 26, 2023

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update regarding the potential for victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing to remotely access proceedings in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that, if passed, would provide statutory authority for the District Court overseeing the court case to provide victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing remote video and telephonic access to the proceedings. On December 6, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed that bill by unanimous consent with one minor amendment. On December 11, 2023, the same bill, labeled H.R. 6714, was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

We note that Department of Justice personnel are constrained by federal statute in what we say about pending legislation, so we ask for your understanding that we may be limited in our ability to respond to any questions you may have about this proposed legislation. Public information about the House bill can be found online at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6714?s=1&r=3.

On December 15, 2023, a status hearing was held in the case before the Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich. At the hearing, the court set a trial date for May 12, 2025. In January 2024, the parties will propose a complete pretrial schedule to the court, to include dispositive motions, evidentiary motions, and motions hearings. The next status hearing is set for April 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm., at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in Courtroom 14.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

October 18, 2023

Re: United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update regarding the potential for victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing to remotely access proceedings in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that, if passed, would provide statutory authority and would instruct the District Court overseeing the court case to provide victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing remote video and telephonic access to the proceedings.

A copy of the proposed legislation is available on the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs’ website: Office of Legislative Affairs | Views Letters - 118th Congress (justice.gov). We note that Department of Justice personnel are constrained by federal statute in what we say about pending legislation, so we ask for your understanding that we may be limited in our ability to respond to any questions you may have about this proposed legislation.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

October 2, 2023

Re: United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

Judge Friedrich set a “tentative" status hearing for December 15, 2023, at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 14. At this point, we have no reason to believe that this status date will change, despite its “tentative" status. If it does change, we will notify you as soon as we are able.

June 3, 2023

U.S. Attorneys Office has corrected the error regarding the FBI case status and now reflects the accurate information. 

Victim's Noticed June 3rd 2023
USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

May 31, 2023

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

May 31, 2023 - Status Update - Status Hearing

A Status Hearing in front of Judge Dabney L. Friedrich was held May 31, 2023.

At the hearing, the parties updated the court regarding the state of discovery. The government stated it transferred Production 2 to the defense and was working on getting more materials from Scotland and various countries. The defense indicated it had received the discovery and was reviewing it.

The government requested a further status hearing, following a written joint update to the Court, and the defense agreed. Judge Friedrich granted the government's request and ordered the parties to file a joint discovery update on or before October 1, 2023, after which the next status hearing will be set.

Additionally, the Judge acknowledged the victims who attended the hearing and restated her position that she believes she does not have the legal authority to allow a victim dial-in telephone line to listen to the live court proceedings. Therefore, please note that there will not be a dial-in telephone line for the victims or the public at future proceedings.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

February 28, 2023

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

May 31, 2023 Status Update – Status Hearing

A Status Hearing is scheduled before Judge Dabney Friedrich for May 31, 2023, 09:00 AM at Courtroom 14, Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC for defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi. The purpose of this hearing is to determine if there are issues that the Court needs to address and to schedule any necessary future court dates.

Because of the Court's schedule, hearing dates could change on very short notice. If you plan on attending, you may want to call the VNS Call Center or check the website to confirm the date and time. Please note, there is a 24-hour delay in information transfer to the website.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

February 28, 2023

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

February 28, 2023 Status Update – Status Hearing

The first Status Hearing in front of Judge Dabney L. Friedrich was held February 28th. At the hearing, Judge Friedrich granted the Government’s Motion to Designate the Case Complex, which was unopposed by the defense. That decision allows the government and defense more time to prepare the case for trial. Additionally, the Judge restated her position that she believes she does not have the legal authority to allow a victim dial-in telephone line to listen to the live court proceedings. Therefore, please note that there will not be a dial-in telephone line for the victims or the public at future proceedings.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

February 17, 2023

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

February 15, 2023 Status Update – Arraignment and Detention Hearing 

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 

  • Arraignment Hearing was held on February 8, 2023. The defendant was formally notified of his charges, and the defendant entered a plea of not guilty at this hearing. 
  • Detention Hearing that was scheduled for February 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET) has been vacated and no further date has been set regarding the defendant’s release conditions. The defendant remains detained. 
  • Status Hearing in front of Judge Dabney L. Friedrich is scheduled for February 28th at 3:00 pm (ET), in courtroom 14,at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001. The purpose of that hearing is to let the court know the progress of the case and set future court dates.

Please note that the government requested a dial-in telephone line be established that would allow the victims to listen to the live court proceedings in front of Judge Friedrich. However, the Court denied that request, finding that “no statute or caselaw…authorizes such an accommodation, which is, to the Court’s knowledge, unprecedented.” Therefore, please note that there will not be a dial-on telephone line for the victims or the public at future proceedings

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

February 15, 2023

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

February 15, 2023 Status Update - Arraignment and Detention Hearing

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir AI-Marimi for his alleged role in the attack on your loved ones in the bombing of Pan Am 103.

  • Arraignment Hearing was held on February 8, 2023. The defendant was formally notified of his charges, and the defendant entered a plea of not guilty at this hearing.
  • Detention Hearing that was scheduled for February 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET) has been vacated and no further date has been set regarding the defendant's release conditions. The defendant remains detained.
  • Status Hearing in front of Judge Dabney L. Friedrich is scheduled for February 28th at 3:00 pm (ET), in courtroom 14, at the E.
    Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001. The purpose of that hearing is to let the court know the progress of the case and set future court dates.

Please note that the government requested a dial-in telephone line be established that would allow the victims to listen to the live court proceedings in front of Judge Friedrich. However, the Court denied that request, finding that "no statute or caselaw... authorizes such an accommodation, which is, to the Court's knowledge, unprecedented." Therefore, please note that there will not be a dial-on telephone line for the victims or the public at future proceedings.

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

January 26, 2023

Re:  Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 

Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing was held on January 25, 2023 and a Federal Public Defender, Whitney Minter, was appointed the defendant's attorney. Also, the defendant was informed of his consular rights and confirmed that he wanted the U.S. government to notify Libya of his arrest and detention. The government will make that notification. 

The Arraignment Hearing that was scheduled for January 25, 2023 at 10:30 am (ET) has been continued until February 8, 2023 at 11:00 am (ET). The purpose of the hearing will be to formally give the defendant notice of his charges, at which the defendant will enter a plea to the charges filed in this case. The government expects the defendant to enter a plea of not guilty at this hearing. The hearing will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 5, on the second floor. 

The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number: Toll Free Number: 877-336-1831 Access Code: 7708723 

We understand that the above number may not be toll free for those outside the United States. 

We understand that there were technical issues with the call-in line for the hearing today. We apologize and are working with the court to ensure that does not happen in the future. 

The Detention Hearing that was scheduled for defendant Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi on January 25, 2023 was continued until February 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET) in courtroom 5, at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave. Court, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

January 19, 2023

Re:  Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

January 19, 2023 Status Update – Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing 

We provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 

The Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing that was scheduled for January 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET) has been moved to earlier in the day, to 10:30 am (ET). The first purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the defendant has retained private counsel or will be appointed counsel by the Court. Second, if the defendant has retained counsel or been appointed counsel to represent him, the court will conduct an Arraignment, at which the defendant will enter a plea to the charges filed in this case. The government expects the defendant to enter a plea of not guilty at this hearing. The hearing will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 5, on the second floor. 

The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number: • Toll Free Number: 866-590-5055 • Access Code: 5496501 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

January 09, 2023

Re:  Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 

Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing that was scheduled for January 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET) has been continued until January 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm (ET). The first purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the defendant has retained private counsel or will be appointed counsel by the Court. Second, if the defendant has retained counsel or been appointed counsel to represent him, the court will conduct an Arraignment, at which the defendant will enter a plea to the charges filed in this case. The government expects the defendant to enter a plea of not guilty at this hearing. 

The hearing will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 7, on the second floor. 

The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number: Toll Free Number: 866-590-5055 Access Code: 5496501 

We understand that the above number may not be toll free for those outside the United States. 

Detention Hearing that was scheduled for defendant Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi on January 25, 2023, at 2:00 pm (ET) in courtroom 7 at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave. Court, NW, Washington, DC 20001 has been vacated and not rescheduled at this time. 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

January 06, 2023

Re:  Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

A hearing for defendant Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi is scheduled before Magistrate Moxila A. Upadhyaya on January 10, 2023, at 02:30 PM in person in courtroom #5 in United States District Court, E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave. Courtroom #5, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 

The hearing will serve two purposes. First, it is an Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing, at which the court will determine whether the defendant has retained private counsel or will be appointed counsel by the Court. Second, if the defendant has retained counsel or been appointed counsel to represent him, the court will conduct an Arraignment, at which the defendant will enter a plea to the charges filed in this case. The government expects the defendant to enter a plea of not guilty at this hearing. 

The dial in listen only access line for Magistrate Judge Upadhyaya is: 
• Toll Free Number: 877-336-1831 
• Access Code: 7708723 

Another hearing for defendant Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi is scheduled before Magistrate Moxila A. Upadhyaya, January 25, 2023, at 02:00 PM in courtroom #5 inUnited States District Court, E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave. Court, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 

At that hearing, the court will determine whether the defendant should be detained or released pending the trial of the case. The government has moved for the defendant to be detained.  
The dial in listen only access line for Magistrate Judge Upadhyaya is: 
• Toll Free Number: 877-336-1831 
• Access Code: 7708723 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 19, 2022

Re:United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

December 19, 2022 Status Update – Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing at 2:00 pm (today) 

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 

On December 19, 2022, the Court will conduct an Ascertainment of Counsel Hearing at 2:00 pm (ET). The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the defendant has retained private counsel or will be appointed counsel by the Court. The hearing will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 7, on the second floor. 

The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number: • Toll Free Number: 866-590-5055 • Access Code: 5496501 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 15, 2022

Re:United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

A hearing is scheduled before Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather for December 19, 2022, 02:00 PM in Courtroom 7, Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington,DC for defendant Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi. The purpose of this hearing is to ascertain whether the defendant has retained counsel, whether he wishes more time to retain counsel, or whether he wishes for counsel to be appointed for him. We do not yet know whether there will be public access to this hearing via dial-in number. If the court does permit dial-in access, then the number to call will be 866-590-5055, Access Code: 5496501. 

A hearing is scheduled before Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya December 27, 2022, 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5, Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the defendant will be detained or released pending the trial of this case. The government has moved for his detention. We do not yet know whether there will be public access to this hearing via dial-in number. If the court does permit dial-in access, then the number to call will be 877-336-1831, Access Code: 7708723. 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 12, 2022

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 20-MJ-00252 CHANGE IN TIME OF COURT APPEARANCE TO 3:00 PM

We write to provide you with a third update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi (“Mas’ud”) for his alleged role in  the bombing of Pan Am 103. As we noted in our email yesterday, the time of the hearing is subject to change. We just received confirmation from the court that the hearing will start at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. 

The location remains the same: the hearing will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 7, on the second floor. The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number: 

• Toll Free Number: 866-590-5055 
• Access Code: 5496501 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 11, 2022

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 20-MJ-00252

We write to provide you with a second update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi (“Mas’ud”) for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am 103. 
The United States has obtained custody of Mas’ud. He will soon be making an appearance in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. We expect that he will have his initial appearance on Monday, December 12, 2022, at approximately 1:00 pm ET. That time is subject to change. Mas’ud will be appointed a lawyer and provided all of the rights afforded to criminal defendants in the United States criminal justice system. 

Masud’s initial court appearance will take place at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, 333 Constitution, Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, in courtroom 7, on the second floor. The public will be able to dial in to hear the court proceedings at the following number:

  • Toll Free Number: 866-590-5055
  • Access Code: 5496501

Mas’ud was charged in the United States by criminal complaint in December 2020 with destruction of an aircraft resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 32(a)(1) and (a)(2), and destruction of a vehicle used in foreign commerce by means of an explosive resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i). As is typical in criminal cases involving foreign fugitives, following the filing of the criminal complaint, the United States filed a Red Notice with Interpol requesting any country in which the defendant was found to detain the defendant so that he could be brought to the United States to face the charges. Since that time, the United States, along with our Scottish counterparts, have been working diligently to obtain custody of Mas’ud to bring him to justice. 

For the past 34 years since the tragic bombing of Pan Am 103, the United States has worked as partners with the Scottish government, including Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. That close cooperation is expected to continue throughout the prosecution of Mas’ud. 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

December 11, 2022

Re: Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 20-MJ-00252

We write to provide you with an update on our efforts to prosecute Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi (“Mas’ud”) for his alleged role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. 

The United States has obtained custody of Mas’ud. 

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice  
District of District of Columbia 
Patrick Henry Building (PHB) 
601 D Street N.W. 
Washington, DC 20530 
Phone: (202) 252-7133

August 11, 2021

Re:  United States v. Defendant(s) Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi
Case Number 2020R02538 and Court Docket Number 22-CR-00392

We are writing this letter to take the opportunity to reach out to you and your families regarding the case of United States v. Abouagela Mas'ud, No. 20-mj-252, to provide an update following the December 2020 unsealing of criminal charges against Mas'ud for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

First, all indications are that Mas'ud remains in the physical custody of Libyan authorities. We want to assure you that we are committed to doing all that we can to obtain custody of Mas'ud in order to prosecute him in the United States. In addition, important evidence, witnesses, and other assistance will be needed from both Scotland and Libya in order to bring him to justice, and the Department of Justice and our U.S. government partners have had - and will continue to have - high-level engagement with both Libya and Scotland as part of our efforts to obtain custody of Mas'ud and to secure that evidence and assistance. As you all know, we have a strong partnership with our Scottish counterparts, and we are committed to continuing that partnership as we seek to bring Mas'ud to justice in the United States.

Second, we hope to clarify your concerns raised in questions we received about when to expect an indictment of Mas'ud. The future timing of an indictment in any case is one of those things that we cannot speak about publicly. We assure you that our efforts to obtain custody of Mas'ud are ongoing and are not related to whether an indictment has been filed. Mas'ud was charged by way of criminal complaint. In the U.S. legal system, a criminal complaint and indictment are equally valid ways to start a prosecution. In 1991, we started the charging process against Abdel Basset Ali Al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifah Fhimah by way of an indictment. In

2020, we began the charging process against Mas'ud by filing a criminal complaint. That complaint has the same power and effect as an indictment at this stage of the case, and we can arrest and obtain custody of Mas'ud right now on the existing charges in place. When a federal criminal case is initiated, whether by indictment or by criminal complaint, a U.S. Court issues an arrest warrant. That warrant is equally valid, both within the United States and abroad, regardless of whether it has been issued by the filing of an indictment or a criminal complaint.

Third, we want to reiterate our ongoing and tireless commitment to you and to bringing Mas'ud to justice in the United States. Just as we cannot speak publicly about the future timing of the issuance of an indictment, we also cannot speak publicly about any internal governmental negotiations that may take place concerning the extradition process, or any related conversations our government may have with other governments about that topic. While you may not hear about that process publicly, we continue to press forward in that regard. We have heard you loud and clear that you do not want to wait eight years again, and we are committed to keeping the lines of communication open and providing regular updates as we move forward with our attempts to obtain custody of Mas'ud. In sum. we are committed to the ends of justice for you and vour families.

Sincerely,

The Pan Am 103 Prosecution Team

January 20, 2021

Department of Justice Website Showing Investigative Case Closed

December 21, 2020

Attorney General William Barr announces criminal charges against alleged bombmaker Abu Agila Masud for his role in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. 

December 14, 2020

Abu  Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi Criminal Complaint

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