Lockerbie Bomber Released From Scottish Prison
August 20, 2009 by national
Filed under World Report
The Lockerbie bomber has left prison after he was freed on compassionate grounds by the Scottish Government. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988. Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill revealed that the Libyan, who has terminal prostate cancer, would be allowed to return to his homeland.
The White House said it “deeply regretted” the decision and some of the US victims’ families reacted angrily.
A police convoy left Greenock Prison, where Megrahi was serving his sentence, more than an hour after the announcement of his release was made.
The BBC understands he will be flown to Tripoli on a specially chartered plane due to leave Glasgow.
Statement from Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary
Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, today announced his decision to free the Lockerbie bomber. Here is his statement in full.
Mr MacAskill said: “It is my privilege to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the Government of Scotland. It is a post in which I take great pride, but one which carries with it great responsibility.
“Never, perhaps, more so than with these decisions that I now have to make.
“On the evening of 21 December 1988 a heinous crime was perpetrated.
Related Links“It claimed the lives of 270 innocent civilians. Four days before Christmas, men, women and children going about their daily lives were cruelly murdered.
“They included 11 from one small Scottish town. That town was Lockerbie – a name that will forever be associated with the worst terrorist atrocity ever committed on UK soil.
“A prisoner transfer application has been submitted by the Government of Libya seeking the transfer of Mr Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi.
“The man convicted of those offences in the Scottish courts. He has also now sought to be released on compassionate grounds due to his prostate cancer that is terminal.
“This crime precedes both the election of our Government and even the restoration of a Parliament in Scotland.
this is sooo dumb just cause he has cancer doesnt mean he should be released and givien a break…he killed 270 people in a day he only has months left who says he wont do it again?..exactly
Please do not think that everyone in England agrees with the ludicrous decision of the Scottish justice minister. Everyone in this country is furious that this has happened. I personally doubt that Megrahi will be dead in three months as indicated, I would not be suprised if he is still alive this time next year. What compassion did he afford the victims and I think calls for a boycot of Scotland are justified. So sorry for all the relatives, Keith Butler