Menu
20/08/2010
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.
Megrahi was released from prison in Scotland last year, after serving nearly ten years for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie in December 1988, killing 270 people.
He had been suffering from prostate cancer and at the time of his release he was expected to have only three months to live.
He was greeted with a hero's welcome when he returned to Tripoli.
The UK government has urged Libya not to celebrate the anniversary of Megrahi's release.
The decision to release Megrahi has been criticised by US President Barack Obama and also questioned by Prime Minister David Cameron.
A group of US senators have also called for information regarding the medical evidence in the case, as well as an independent investigation into Megrahi's release.
It has also emerged that two senators are preparing to release what they claim is evidence that there was "commercial pressure" behind his release.
(KMcA/BMcC)
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.
Megrahi was released from prison in Scotland last year, after serving nearly ten years for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie in December 1988, killing 270 people.
He had been suffering from prostate cancer and at the time of his release he was expected to have only three months to live.
He was greeted with a hero's welcome when he returned to Tripoli.
The UK government has urged Libya not to celebrate the anniversary of Megrahi's release.
The decision to release Megrahi has been criticised by US President Barack Obama and also questioned by Prime Minister David Cameron.
A group of US senators have also called for information regarding the medical evidence in the case, as well as an independent investigation into Megrahi's release.
It has also emerged that two senators are preparing to release what they claim is evidence that there was "commercial pressure" behind his release.
(KMcA/BMcC)
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.
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.
20 July 2010
PM Meets Senators Over Lockerbie Release
Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to meet with four US senators to discuss concerns over the release of the Lockerbie bomber. The announcement comes amid allegations that oil company BP had lobbied the previous Labour government for the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.
PM Meets Senators Over Lockerbie Release
Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to meet with four US senators to discuss concerns over the release of the Lockerbie bomber. The announcement comes amid allegations that oil company BP had lobbied the previous Labour government for the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.
25 November 2014
Two Arrested In Film Piracy Case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the release of a pirated copy of the Expendables 3, some twenty days before its cinema release date. The film appeared online on 25th July despite having a US cinema release date of 15th August. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (Pipcu) arrested a 36-year-old man in Upton Wirral.
Two Arrested In Film Piracy Case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the release of a pirated copy of the Expendables 3, some twenty days before its cinema release date. The film appeared online on 25th July despite having a US cinema release date of 15th August. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (Pipcu) arrested a 36-year-old man in Upton Wirral.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will remain cloudy through the evening and overnight with some mist or the odd spot of drizzle possible at times. Light southwest winds continue. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
