Without a lawyer present, Abu Agila refuses to talk to the US court
The US alleges that Abu Agila Masud was a Libyan intelligence operative and played a key role in the 1988 attack
Libyan national, Abu Agila Masud Al-Maryami, appeared before a federal court in Washington, DC, on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the Lockerbie case, and he refused to speak before the American Magistrate Judge, Robin Meriweather, before meeting with his lawyer.
Prosecutor Erik Kenerson told the court the government will not be seeking the death penalty because it was not a legally available penalty at the time the crimes were committed, so the maximum sentence available will be life in prison, Reuters reported.
On Monday, the US Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said Washington lawfully took custody of Masud and brought him to the US where he would face charges for his alleged involvement in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
“This action underscores the Biden Administration’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the rule of law and holding accountable those who inflict harm on Americans in acts of terrorism. Through the unrelenting efforts of the Department of Justice, Department of State, and their partners, Abu Agila Mas’ud will now face justice.” She added in a statement published by the White House.
The US alleges that Abu Agila Masud was a Libyan intelligence operative and played a key role in the 1988 attack, which left 270 people dead.
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