A US judge in Washington rules that an alleged “confession” copy involving Abu Agila Masud can be used in his Lockerbie bombing trial tied to Pan Am Flight 103. The ruling concerns a statement taken by police in Libya and whether the defence can prevent it from being introduced.
According to multiple outlets, Masud’s case turns on evidentiary issues. His defence seeks to exclude the statement, arguing that what is being presented is not the original document and that the copy’s use is improper. Masud also disputes the content of the alleged confession, saying it was made during his detention in 2012 and that he was forced to provide a false statement.
Outlets report the judge’s decision ahead of the next stage of the trial process, set to take place on January 19. The differing emphasis across coverage focuses on the defence arguments—about document form and alleged coercion—while the common point is that the judge allows the copied “confession” evidence to be admitted for the trial.
