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the lockerbie trial
by Alex Burns (alex@disinfo.com) - December 20, 2000

The long-awaited trial of two Libyans accused of planting the bomb that caused infamous 'Lockerbie' air disaster finally commenced on May 3rd, 2000. The small Netherlands airbase of 'Camp Zeist' (near Lutrecht) has become a geo-strategic hot-spot amidst frantic high-level diplomatic maneuvering by Libya and the United Kingdom.

On December 21st, 1986, Pan Am Flight 103 suddenly disintegrated over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing the 259 passengers and crew, and eleven people on the ground. Subsequent investigations by the FBI and UK 'CAA Air Accident Investigation Branch' confirmed that the crash had been caused by plastic explosives. On November 27th, 1991, warrants were issued for the arrest of two Libyan nationals: Abdelbasset Ali Ahmed al-Megrahi and Ali Amin Khalifa Fhimah. A long-running international legal battle followed.

The United Kingdom and the United States lobbied the UN Security Council to force Libya to hand over the two nationals, but Libya retaliated in the 'International Court of Justice' that the prosecution attempt contravened jurisdiction of the 1971 'Montreal Convention'. The Western world retaliated with economic sanctions against Libya. In October 1992 the Court refused to grant Libya its protection, and in February 1998 ruled on objections by the United States and United Kingdom, who desired the trial to be held in either Scotland or America. Finally in August 1998, a compromise was reached: the UN Security Council ruled that the trial of the two suspects would be held in a neutral country, the Netherlands. In April 2000, al-Megrahi and Fhimah surrendered for the trial, which is expected to last a year.

Behind the 'Lockerbie' trial is a disturbing shift in geo-strategic affairs, which may alter the 'balance of power' in the Middle East. The Reagan administration's enemy at the time of the air disaster, Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gadaffi has undergone a softening of image in 1999. Is this the rehabilitation of the rogue? Will the international media (banned from directly televising the proceedings by the High Court of Edinburgh) oversimplify the case?

Conspiracies theories abound. The accused claim an international conspiracy against them, and also claim that a Palestinian terrorist group were responsible. In a 'SkyTV' satellite interview (May 3rd, 2000), Gadaffi denied any involvement with the bombing. Was a US intelligence team, as conspiriologists Jonathan Vankin and John Whalen have chronicled, forewarned about the bombing, but did nothing? Will we ever learn the truth about the one of the most infamous terrorism cases of the 1980s?

Impact of UN Sanctions From Libyan Perspective
See how the other half dies.

BBC Petition
The full text of the High Court in Edinborough's decision (April 20th, 2000) to prevent the BBC, Sky TV, and other broadcasters from televising the trial of the two Libyans accused of causing the Lockerbie bombing.

CIA Factbook on Libya
Your tax dollars at work. Useful background demographic information for understanding the international law issues at the heart of the 'Lockerbie' trial.

Arabic News
Offers a different viewpoint on the Lockerbie trial to Western news services, including how the case will affect the Middle East's geostrategic balance.

Remembering Flight 103
A remarkably poignant Web site devoted to the 'Lockerbie' (Pan Am 103) disaster and the subsequent investigation. Captures the human tragedy behind the Lockerbie trial.

Lockerbie Air Incident
This Web site is specifically devoted to the Lockerbie air disaster (not the subsequent trial), and should be studied as required background information.

Trial and Error
This New Republic editorial (May 15, 2000) wonders if the prosecution of two Libyan nationals for the Pan Am 103 bombing will turn into a public farce.

Lockerbie Report Leaves Trial In Chaos
This Sunday Herald report (May 14, 2000) by Neil Mackay and Ian Ferguson reveals a devastating scientific report which claims that "the Semtex bomb was attached to the inside of the aircraft in the cargo hold and was not concealed, as the prosecution case alleges, within a cassette player packed into a suitcase which was stored within a luggage container in the cargo hold." Will this free the two Libyan nationals accused of bombing Pan Am 103?

The Guardian: Lockerbie Trial
The English Guardian newspaper has compiled a comprehensive collection of resources for the Lockerbie trial, including RealVideo interviews, court documentation, newspaper archives, a case chronology, and more.

Lockerbie Trial News: Pan Am 103
Strictly devoted to covering the Lockerbie trial, this excellent Web site includes special sections on evidence, testimonies, the Defence Team and Prosecution, and more.

Lockerbie: Years of Anguish and Anger
The New York Times newspaper compiled chronology and coverage of the Lockerbie crash, investigation, and trial. Registration required.

University of Glasgow School of Law Briefing: The Lockerbie Trial
One of the best specialist legal Web sites devoted to covering the Lockerbie trial, including analysis of its geopolitical and geostrategic implications. Features incisive coverage of international law issues. Highly recommended!

BBC News on Lockerbie
Banned by the High Court in Edinburgh from directly televizing the Lockerbie trial, the British Broadcasting Corporation has still assembled an incredible Web site of news coverage and perceptive analysis.

UN Documents on Libya
These United Nations documents on the Lockerbie air disaster capture tense maneuvering by Libyan diplomats regarding prosecution of two accused terrorists. Decide for yourself if these compelling documents represent the truth, spin-doctoring, or a position somewhere inbetween.

Lockerbie: Gaddafi RealVideo Interview
The British SkyTV network scooped the world with an exclusive interview of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who denied involvement with the 'Lockerbie' air disaster. Requires free RealVideo player.

Residents Remember RealVideo Testimony
Lockerbie residents offer powerful testimony of the Lockerbie air disaster. Requires free RealVideo player.

Lockerbie Investigation Report
The United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch report on the Lockerbie air disaster. Highly technical, but a goldmine of information and factual analysis. A necessary corrective to disinformation circulating on the Internet.

International Court Of Justice: Lockerbie
Latest developments in the International Court of Justice between the United Kingdom and Libya over the Lockerbie air disaster, investigation, and resulting trial. A snap-shot of geostrategic skirmishes in action.

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