Why was lockerbie bomber released

Condemnation from America over the release of al Megrahi and his subsequent jubilant welcome in Libya has been widespread. President Obama said Friday that al Megrahi's warm reception was "highly objectionable. In a letter to MacAskill, he described the Scottish justice minister's decision "as inexplicable as it is detrimental to the cause of justice.

Share this on:. Story Highlights Scottish justice minister defends decision to release Lockerbie bomber Kenny MacAskill tells parliament. Next Article in World ». Connect the World. Would you give up whisky? Don't Miss Analysis: Was there a secret deal? Would you give up Scotch? Obama condemns Lockerbie bomber's 'hero's welcome' Most families outraged at Pan Am bomber's release Lockerbie: The aftermath remembered. A number of them reacted angrily to the announcement. It is an utter insult and utterly disgusting.

In contrast, many of the British victims' families supported Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds, some of them unconvinced that he was even partly responsible for Lockerbie.

The Rev John Mosey, whose daughter Helga, 19, died in the attack, said it was "right he should go home to die in dignity with his family". Megrahi's wife said he was "happy" at the news. His mother, Hajja Fatma, 95, told the Tripoli Post she was "expecting him to enter [through her door] at any moment".

Scottish officials attempted to rebut allegations last night that a secret political deal had been struck to protect western oil interests in Libya and Muammar Gaddafi's international rehabilitation. A spokesman said: "We've a strong justice system in Scotland, and people can be assured that the justice secretary's decisions have been reached on the basis of clear evidence and on no other factors.

This article is more than 12 years old. Abdelbaset al-Megrahi released on compassionate grounds Obama condemns decision by Scottish government. The Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, boards a plane at Glasgow airport.

Barack Obama, speaking on a talkshow, said the decision was a "mistake". Megrahi first appealed in but this was refused by Scotland's High Court.

A second appeal was abandoned in just before his return to Libya. Search Search. Home United States U. Africa 54 - November 12, VOA Africa Listen live. VOA Newscasts Latest program.

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