September 24, 2024

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

REMINDER TO REGISTER IN VNS AND COMPLETE THE VICTIM ACCESS SURVEY BY OCTOBER 9, 2024

Victim Notification System

We are writing to remind you that if you have not yet registered as a Victim in this case, you may do so by using our office email address at: usadc.panam103@usdoj.gov Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Victim Access Survey Information

Next, if you have not already done so, please respond to our Victim Access Survey. The survey is available at http://fbi.gov/PanAm103Victims

We have had a good response so far, and we hope that even more of you will respond to this Victim Access Survey and complete it as soon as possible. Recently, on September 18, 2024, the Court issued a new Order requiring us to provide the Court with the total number of victims who wish to have remote access to the court proceedings and geographic locations for each victim, to assist the Court in making “reasonable efforts” to provide remote access to victims. As we have previously informed you, we have sought to have the Court utilize the Zoom for Government platform to make court proceedings available to you on your personal devices, while the defense has recommended that the Court use fixed sites, such as federal courthouses, to provide remote access. The Court has not ruled yet, but has asked that this information be provided to it by October 16, 2024, to make its ruling.  Thus, the information you are providing about your physical location, any financial, physical, medical, and logistical hardships, and potential travel restrictions you may face in attending to view trial at fixed sites, will be helpful to us as we make our arguments to the Court.

Please feel free to forward the survey to any of your loved ones who may desire remote access to the trial. A link to it is also available on our website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103

Questions: Please contact us with any questions via email at usadc.panam103@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-252-7045.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Remember, VNS is an automated system and cannot answer questions. If you have other questions which involve this matter, please contact this office at the number listed above.

Sincerely,

Guisela Castillo
Victim Witness Specialist

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

September 12, 2024

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

The enclosed information is provided by the United States Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS). As a victim witness professional, my role is to assist you with information and services during the prosecution of this case. 

Good day. As a reminder, please complete and submit the questionnaire as this information is required for the court so that we can properly inform the court as it has requested that information. The questionnaire can be found at this link http://fbi.gov/PanAm103Victims Please complete this questionnaire as soon as possible.

There will be a case update WebEx tomorrow, Friday, September 13, 2024, at 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time to provide a case status and take questions about the questionnaire and court access process. Please give yourself at least 10 minutes to register and login to the WebEx meeting. 

Friday, September 13, 2024 2:00 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r6c20e3fd7b72312daff3a54b5e97858e

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

September 6, 2024

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

We write to provide you with an update in the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. In previous updates, we have informed you that the District Court overseeing this case has issued an order directing the government to “(1) finalize its list of individuals who meet the statutory definition of victim and wish to have access to court proceedings and (2) provide the Court with the total number of victims and geographic locations for each victim (city, town, or general geographic location) to assist the Court in making ‘reasonable efforts’ to provide remote access to victims.” To comply with that order, we have worked with the FBI to create a brief survey that we are asking you to complete if you are interested in gaining remote access to the court proceedings in this case. We understand that many of you have already provided that information in various forms, but we would not ask you to fill out this survey if we did not think it was necessary to collect this information -- in this specific format -- as requested of us by the court.

The survey is available at http://fbi.gov/PanAm103Victims Please feel free to forward the survey to any of your loved ones who may desire remote access to the trial. A link to it is also available on our website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103

We understand that some of you may have questions about this survey or its purpose. Our sole purpose in asking these questions again is to ensure that we comply with the Court’s directive to provide a complete picture as possible of the victims who seek remote access to future court proceedings. We will keep you updated of any applicable deadlines, and please keep in mind that all official written communications from the Department of Justice concerning this case will be sent via the VNS system, with a duplicate copy sent via the Crown Office distribution list. We expect that, once the Court rules on our motion to provide remote access, we will return to you to inform you of the court’s decision, and to possibly request other information that we may need from you to implement that decision.

To help answer any questions that you may have right now about this survey, and this process, we are holding virtual meetings on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:30 AM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time and Friday, September 13, 2024 2:00 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time. Please register in advance but, if you cannot do so, please allow up to ten minutes to sign in, register, and you will receive a link. The WebEx links for the respective virtual meeting dates are below:

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:30 AM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r7fec52631cefde805501da6397677587

Friday, September 13, 2024 2:00 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r6c20e3fd7b72312daff3a54b5e97858e

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Remember, VNS is an automated system and cannot answer questions. If you have other questions which involve this matter, please contact this office at the number listed above.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

July 16, 2024

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

We write to provide you with a further update on our efforts to seek the Court’s approval to permit the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, located in the United States and overseas, remote video and telephonic access to future court proceedings in this case.

As we have previously informed you, on January 26, 2024, the President signed into law Pub. L. No. 118-37, which instructed the District Court overseeing the case of the United States v. Abuagela Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi (22-cr-392-DLF) to “order that reasonable efforts be made to make remote video and telephonic access to proceedings in the case available to victims.” Victims are defined broadly by the law to include any individual “who suffered direct or proximate harm as a result of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 … and was present at or near the scene of the bombing when it occurred, or immediately thereafter” or “who is the spouse, legal guardian, parent, child, brother, sister, next of kin, or other relative of” someone killed in the attack, or who is determined by the district court “to be an individual who possesses a relationship of similar significance” to someone killed in the attack.

After the law was passed, the District Court ordered the parties to file briefs with proposals for how to implement that legislation. On May 31, 2024, the government filed a motion asking the Court to make the proceedings available via the Court’s existing Zoom for Government account which would, if accepted, permit audio and video access to the Court’s proceedings. On June 17, 2024, the defense filed its response to the government’s motion, arguing that the Court should make trial and testimonial hearings available, but only at fixed sites.

Thereafter, the District Court issued an order directing the government in this case, to “(1) finalize its list of individuals who meet the statutory definition of victim and wish to have access to court proceedings and (2) provide the Court with the total number of victims and geographic locations for each victim (city, town, or general geographic location) to assist the Court in making ‘reasonable efforts’ to provide remote access to victims.” The government filed a reply on June 24, 2024, asking the court not to impose fixed viewing sites but, instead, to utilize the Zoom for Government system for these purposes. The government said it would provide the requested information about the identified victims at a later time. The District Court’s ruling on the government’s motion remains pending.

To that end, we at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia, the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI have been diligently working and will continue to work on the best method to gather the victim information ordered by the District Court. We know that many of you have already registered your status via our Department’s Victim Notification (VNS) System, and that some have submitted your information to the Department separately by email at: usadc.panam103@usdoj.gov. We want to assure you that regardless of how your information is received by us, we will continue to make sure that your personal identifiable information (your name, address, personal information, etc., namely, your “PII”), and your status as a victim in this case will continue to be properly protected and honored by the Department. We also note that the District Court has not set any deadline for the government to gather your PII and/or to register you as an identified victim in this case.

Finally, we in the Department of Justice will be reaching out to you again soon with an official solicitation for those who have not yet registered their information with us to do so. As always, we continue our efforts to seek justice for you and your loved ones. In the meantime, you may contact us by email at: usadc.panam103@usdoj.gov (or by phone at 202-252-7045) if you have any questions about this message or anything related to it.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

June 26, 2024

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

We write to provide you with an update regarding the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. As we informed you in March, the court required the parties to file written proposals for how to implement remote audio and video access for victims in this case, given U.S. Congress’s passage of P.L. 118-37, 138 Stat. 11. On May 31, 2024, the government filed its proposal, and the defense filed its response on June 17, 2024. The government filed a reply to the defense response on June 24, 2024. All three filings are available on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103. 

The Court has also ordered us to send it the total number of victims who desire remote access, as well as the geographic distribution of those who desire remote access. We also expect to be in touch in the near future with instructions to make sure you and/or your loved ones who desire remote access are included in those “finalized” numbers.

The case remains set for trial on May 12, 2025, and the next court date is currently a pretrial conference set for April 23, and 24, 2025. Additional court dates are expected to be set, particularly after the defense files its pretrial motions. The pretrial scheduling order is available on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103. We will advise you promptly if the Court sets any additional hearing dates or issues a ruling on the parties’ proposals for remote access. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

June 07, 2024

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

We write to provide you with an update regarding the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. As we informed you in March, the court required the parties to file written proposals for how to implement remote audio and video access for victims in this case, given U.S. Congress’s passage of P.L. 118-37, 138 Stat 11. On May 31, 2024, the government filed its proposal, which is available on our website, at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103. The defense proposal is due on June 17, 2024.

The case remains set for trial on May 12, 2025, and the next court date remains a pretrial conference set for April 23, and 24, 2025. We will advise you promptly if the Court sets any additional hearing dates. We also expect to be in touch with further instructions regarding remote access once the Court rules on the parties’ proposals.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

April 19, 2024

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

During the next few days, you may be receiving a call from a Victim Advocate from the United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, DC. They will be calling to confirm your registration in the Department of Justice Victim Notification System (DOJ VNS) for the United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi (DC-22-cr-392-DLF) (Pan Am 103) and your relationship to this case. If you are not registered in the VNS, please email us at USADC.PANAM103@USDOJ.GOV or call 202-252-7045

If you are registered in the DOJ VNS, you may call the DOJ VNS Call Center at 1-866-365-4968 (1-866-DOJ-4YOU) and/or visit the VNS Internet site at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov/index.jsp at anytime. Please remember you will need your Victim ID# and PIN# to access the VNS Call Center or VNS Internet site

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

March 18, 2024

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

We write to provide you an update regarding the case of United States v. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. On March 13, 2024, the court issued an order vacating the April 4, 2024, status conference. This means that there will be no hearing held on that date. We will notify you when the next hearing date is scheduled.

In the past month, the court has ordered the parties to file proposals for how to implement the legislation recently passed by Congress that authorizes the court to provide the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 attack with remote access to the proceedings in this case. The government and defense both requested that the court make certain pretrial proceedings available to the victims via a secure teleconferencing platform, such as Zoom. The government and defense proposals differed, however, when it comes to trial and pretrial proceedings involving the taking of witness testimony, with the defense favoring making remote telecasts available only at designated sites. Both parties requested additional time to provide detailed proposals to the court for how trial and hearings involving witness testimony should be handled. The court granted that request for additional time and ordered the government to file its proposal by May 31, 2024, and the defense to file its response by June 17, 2024.

We expect that anyone who wishes to access future proceedings via remote video and/or audio broadcast, to the extent permitted by the court, will be required to sign up for VNS before being granted access. If you or your family members have not yet signed up for VNS and you hope to access future hearings via remote video and/or audio broadcast, please sign up (or ask your relatives to sign up if they are interested in remote access to proceedings) as soon as possible.
The trial remains set for May 12, 2025. On March 13, 2024, the court also issued a scheduling order that set deadlines that the parties must meet between now and that date. As part of that order, the court scheduled a pretrial conference to take place on April 23 and 24, 2025, in Courtroom 14, at United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and the court may set additional dates for various motions hearings. We will advise you of any hearing dates. 
Copies of all the court filings and orders referenced in this update have been posted to our website, which is available at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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. 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6714?s=1&r=3. The Department of Justice will continue to send updates as they are available. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

December 07, 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. The bill will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

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 bill can be found online at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3250.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

October 18, 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 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.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

October 03, 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

On September 29, 2023, the parties filed a joint status update, informing Judge Dabney L. Friedrich of the status of discovery. The parties informed Judge Friedrich that the government had provided four productions to the defense and would shortly be providing a fifth, and that it was working on getting additional materials from Scotland and various countries. The defense stated that it had received the discovery to date and was reviewing it. 

On October 2, 2023, Judge Friedrich set a “tentative” status hearing for December 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom 14. At this point, we have no reason to believe that this status date will change, despite it's “tentative” status. If it does change, we will notify you as soon as we are able to

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. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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.

March 02, 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

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.

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. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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

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.

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.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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 Al-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. 

We will continue to provide updates through the Victim Notification System (VNS) with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. 

1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365- 4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/attack-pan-am-flight-103.
In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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 attack on your loved ones 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. Your attendance is not required. 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. 

We will continue to provide updates through the Victim Notification System (VNS) with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. 

You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365- 4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

January 19, 2023

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

January 19, 2023 Status Update – Ascertainment of Counsel 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 attack on your loved ones 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. Your attendance is not required. 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

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

We will continue to provide updates through the Victim Notification System (VNS) with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. 

You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365- 4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). 

In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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. Your attendance is not required. 

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. Again, your attendance is not required.

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

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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 attack on your loved ones 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
We understand that the above number may not be toll free for those outside the United States.

We will continue to provide updates through the Victim Notification System (VNS) with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365- 4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

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. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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.

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. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

December 12, 2022

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

Hello,
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 attack on your loved ones 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

We understand that the above number may not be toll free for those outside the United States. We will continue to provide updates through the Victim Notification System (VNS) with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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 attack on your loved ones in the bombing of Pan Am 103.
 
As we previously informed you, 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

As you may recall, 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. 

Finally, we hope that this latest development gives some assurance to all of you that we are continuing in our commitment to bring to justice those who inflicted this terrible tragedy upon you and your loved ones. 

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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 attack on your loved ones in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. 

The United States has obtained custody of Mas’ud. 

We will promptly provide you with additional information, including information about his initial court appearance, when that information is confirmed.

Through the Victim Notification System (VNS) we will continue to provide you with updated scheduling and event information as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system. You may obtain current information about this case on the VNS website at https://www.notify.usdoj.gov or from the VNS Call Center at 1-866-DOJ-4YOU (1-866-365-4968) (TDD/TTY: 1-866-228-4619) (International: 1-502-213-2767). In addition, you may use the Call Center or Internet to update your contact information and/or change your decision about participation in the notification program.

Sincerely,

Tonya Jones
Victim Witness Coordinator

Please call the Victim Notification System (VNS) Help Desk at phone number 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.

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