International Court of Justice Hears Case on Lockerbie Aerial Incident

Background

On October 22, 1997, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held a public sitting to hear the case filed by Libya against the United Kingdom in connection with the aerial incident that occurred over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988.

The case revolves around the interpretation and application of the 1971 Montreal Convention arising from the Aerial Incident at Lockerbie. Libya claims that the UK is responsible for the destruction of its civilian airliner, Pan Am Flight 103, which resulted in the loss of 259 lives on board and another 11 people on the ground.

The Case

The ICJ’s Vice-President, Judge Christopher Weeramantry, presided over the sitting, which was attended by representatives from both countries. The Court heard arguments on the issue of jurisdiction and admissibility of Libyan claims against the UK.

Timeline of Events

• December 21, 1988: Pan Am Flight 103 is destroyed over Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in the loss of 270 lives.
• March 1992: Libya files a request for the ICJ to hear the case against the UK.
• September 1995: The UK files preliminary objections to the case.
• October 22, 1997: The ICJ hears arguments on the issue of jurisdiction and admissibility of Libyan claims.

Next Steps

The Court will now proceed to consider the case on its merits. Libya is expected to submit a reply in each of the cases by June 29, 2000. The UK and the US are expected to file counter-memorials by December 30, 1998, and rejoinders by September 13, 2000.

Conclusion

The ICJ’s decision on the case is expected to be rendered in the near future.