Menu
28/07/2010
US Senate Postpone Lockerbie Hearings
Senate hearings in the US investigating the release of the Lockerie bomber have been postponed amid accusations that BP and British officials are "stonewalling" the probe.
Senators had wanted to question a number of British politicians as well as senior executives from BP over allegations that the oil company had lobbied the government for the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi in order to pave the way for an oil deal with Libya.
However, outgoing BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward had refused to attend, as did former UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
BP had admitted that it had lobbied the government in 2007 over the potential negative impact on the UK's commercial interests caused by slow progress on a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya. However, the company denied that Megrahi was specifically discussed.
In 2001, Megrahi was convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988, killing 270 people, most of whom were American.
In August last year, the Scottish Executive granted the release of Megrahi on compassionate ground as he was suffering from prostate cancer.
(KMcA)
Senators had wanted to question a number of British politicians as well as senior executives from BP over allegations that the oil company had lobbied the government for the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi in order to pave the way for an oil deal with Libya.
However, outgoing BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward had refused to attend, as did former UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
BP had admitted that it had lobbied the government in 2007 over the potential negative impact on the UK's commercial interests caused by slow progress on a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya. However, the company denied that Megrahi was specifically discussed.
In 2001, Megrahi was convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988, killing 270 people, most of whom were American.
In August last year, the Scottish Executive granted the release of Megrahi on compassionate ground as he was suffering from prostate cancer.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 August 2009
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
24 August 2009
Scottish Debate Bomber's Release
The Scottish Justice Secretary has defended his decision to release the Lockerbie bomber in the Scottish Parliament today as members gathered for an emergency debate. The Scottish Parliament returned a week early to allow MSPs to take part in a debate to question Kenny MacAskill over Abdel Baset al Megrahi's release.
Scottish Debate Bomber's Release
The Scottish Justice Secretary has defended his decision to release the Lockerbie bomber in the Scottish Parliament today as members gathered for an emergency debate. The Scottish Parliament returned a week early to allow MSPs to take part in a debate to question Kenny MacAskill over Abdel Baset al Megrahi's release.
13 August 2009
Libyan Bomber To Be Freed?
A decision is expected today on the proposed release of the Libyan man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing. It looks increasingly likely that Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer, will be freed on compassionate grounds next week.
Libyan Bomber To Be Freed?
A decision is expected today on the proposed release of the Libyan man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing. It looks increasingly likely that Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer, will be freed on compassionate grounds next week.
20 August 2010
Lockerbie Bomber's Release Defended
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenneth MacAskill has defended his decision to release the Lockerbie bomber on compassionate grounds. Speaking on the first anniversary of the release of Libyan Abdelbasset Ali al-Megrahi, Mr MacAskill said that he had "acted appropriately" and stood by his decision.
Lockerbie Bomber's Release Defended
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenneth MacAskill has defended his decision to release the Lockerbie bomber on compassionate grounds. Speaking on the first anniversary of the release of Libyan Abdelbasset Ali al-Megrahi, Mr MacAskill said that he had "acted appropriately" and stood by his decision.
28 August 2009
Gaddafi's Son Denies Lockerbie Trade-off
The son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has insisted no deals were linked to the compassionate release of the Lockerbie bomber, it has been reported.
Gaddafi's Son Denies Lockerbie Trade-off
The son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has insisted no deals were linked to the compassionate release of the Lockerbie bomber, it has been reported.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
