The trial of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 took place in a court set up in the Netherlands, following extensive international investigations and negotiations. The catastrophic incident occurred on December 21, 1988, when a bomb concealed in a cassette player exploded mid-flight, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew members on board, as well as 11 individuals on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland. The investigation that ensued implicated Libyan officials in the attack, leading to international sanctions against Libya and prolonged diplomatic tensions with the West.

After years of intricate legal proceedings, Megrahi was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, while Fhimah was acquitted. The trial was significant not only for the findings of legal culpability but also for its implications on international law regarding terrorism. The proceedings were a focal point for debates on justice, state-sponsored terrorism, and the challenges of prosecuting acts of mass violence carried out by non-state actors.

The court's location in the Netherlands was a critical aspect of the trial, facilitating an arrangement acceptable to both the United Kingdom and Libya. The trial garnered considerable media attention and public interest, highlighting the complex interplay between international judicial processes and national sovereignty. Additionally, the legal framework established during this trial has continued to influence how future international terrorism cases are prosecuted.