The trial of a Libyan man accused in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing was postponed on the eve of its scheduled start after new evidence came to light three days ago, defence and court sources said. The delay marks the third time proceedings in the case have been deferred.
The incident at the centre of the case dates back to December 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people. The attack has been the subject of prolonged investigation and legal activity across international jurisdictions for more than three decades.
The most recent postponement followed the late disclosure of material connected to the long-running inquiry. Court papers indicated the parties would need additional time to examine the newly revealed material and prepare for trial, prompting judges to remove the case from the calendar at short notice.
The latest delay prolongs a legal process that has been contentious and closely watched by victims’ families, governments and legal observers. It is not yet clear when the trial will be rescheduled or what impact the fresh evidence might have on the prosecution’s case.
Court officials have not set a new start date. The case remains in pre-trial status while lawyers for both sides and the court assess the implications of the recent disclosures.