Lockerbie bombing trial postponed days before it was due to start

Al-Marimi has been in US custody since 2022 and was originally due to stand trial in May 2025.

That date was set aside following a joint request from the prosecution and defence, who cited the complexity of the case and Al-Marimi’s ill health.

The trial was pencilled in for April this year but was called off again, after the defence asked for more time to prepare.

The Lockerbie bombing has been the subject of a joint Scottish-US investigation since December 1988.

Prosecutors from the Crown Office and detectives from Police Scotland were due to travel to Washington to attend the case, and Scottish witnesses were expected to be among the first to give evidence at the trial.

Laura Buchan, head of the Lockerbie investigation team at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “I recognise that this adjournment will be disappointing for the families and for those who have followed this case over many years.

“As the matter remains before the court, it would not be appropriate to comment on the reasons for the adjournment. Although these proceedings are being led by the United States authorities, Scottish prosecutors and police officers remain fully committed to supporting the pursuit of justice.”