Plans for the long-awaited trial of alleged Lockerbie bomb maker Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Al Marimi have taken Ramadan, forecast to start on February 7, into account. All 259 people on board Pan Am Flight 103 died in the 1988 terrorist attack for which Mr Al Marimi is accused. Eleven were killed on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland, by falling debris from the explosion, which occurred shortly after the flight took off from London on December 21.Of the 270 victims, 190 were US citizens. The US government filed charges against Mr Al Marimi in 2020 and arrested him in 2022. He pleaded not guilty in 2023.The suspect's health problems, defence team changes, long pre-trial deliberations and the introduction of several pieces of new evidence have delayed the trial.Washington District Judge Dabney Friedrich recently set a goal of starting jury selection for the trial in January 2027. According to a recently filed joint status update for the trial, the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan could affect the start of it. "The parties have noted that Ramadan is likely to begin February 7, 2027," the status update reads in part. "Several of the government witnesses observe Ramadan. If witness testimony begins on or about January 19, that will allow three weeks for the government to present any witnesses where Ramadan might affect their availability. "If jury selection is shifted until January 19,...
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