Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have successfully passed a bill in the Senate that would provide meaningful access to court proceedings for the families of the victims of the Lockerbie bombing. The Meaningful Access to Court Proceedings for Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 Act aims to ensure that surviving relatives of the 270 victims, including 190 Americans, who were killed in the terrorist attack on Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 can remotely access the criminal court proceedings.

Sen. Cornyn expressed his sympathy for the families who have been waiting for justice for over three decades, stating, "This legislation would ensure surviving family members can access the criminal court proceedings no matter where they live." Sen. Gillibrand also emphasized the importance of transparency and answers for the families, saying, "I’m proud that this bill passed the Senate today and will continue to fight for full passage."

The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988, resulted in the deaths of 270 individuals from various countries. The criminal complaint against Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi for his alleged role in building the bomb was publicized by the U.S. Department of Justice on December 21, 2020. Al-Marimi made his initial appearance before a magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in December 2022.

However, due to the significant amount of time that has passed since the bombing, many surviving victims and next of kin are elderly or physically unable to travel to Washington, D.C., where the court proceedings are taking place. Recognizing this, the bill aims to ensure that both U.S. and international victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing have meaningful access to the court proceedings against Al-Marimi.

The legislation provides statutory authority and instruction to the District Court to order and ensure remote video and telephonic access to the trial proceedings for any individual who suffered direct or proximate harm as a result of the bombing and was present at or near the scene of the bombing when it occurred or immediately after. It also extends access to spouses, legal guardians, parents, children, siblings, next of kin, or other relatives who have a relationship of similar significance to a victim, as determined by the District Court.

The passing of this bill in the Senate is a significant step towards justice for the families of the Lockerbie bombing victims. It acknowledges the challenges faced by the surviving relatives and seeks to provide them with the access they deserve to the court proceedings. As the bill moves forward, it is hoped that it will receive full passage, bringing a sense of closure and accountability to those affected by this tragic act of terror.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-gillibrand-bill-to-help-ensure-justice-for-lockerbie-bombing-victims-families-passes-senate/