The two groups made obvious efforts to avoid each other. On the other side of the glass, three wigged and white-robed judges and an alternate judge presided over the courtroom. Before them to one side sat the two defendants, flanked by Scottish police, and their defense team. Across the way, wigged Scottish barristers prosecuted the case. The trial is expected to last at least a year.
Legal observers say there are already problems with the case.
A key prosecution witness has apparently changed his testimony, and if the defense is successful at implicating other suspects it could raise enough doubt to win an acquittal. Although most relatives of the victims are relieved to finally have the trial under way after years spent waiting, some say it represents a sellout by the American and British governments. Susan Cohen said she believes the two Libyans on trial are not solely responsible. She believes the real culprit is Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, and fears he will never be called to account. In other words, if these two guys are found guilty, Gadhafi can live with it because this is the Gadhafi protection trial.