The Scottish Government on Friday released Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi. One of the plotters of Pan Am flight 103 which blew up over Lockerbie, Scottland,UK in 1988.
Al-Megrahi was charged with the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scott which killed 270 people. He was convicted 2001.
Al-Megrahi developed prostate cancer. Doctors said Al-Megrahi had only three month to live. He requested to go home Libya to die. Scotland Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill released based on Compassion.
Al-Megrahi was welcomed to Tripoli with to a Hero’s Welcome by the Libyan Government and hundreds of Libyan citizens. The he met Mohammad Qaddafi the Libyan Dictator.
The actions of MacAskill has caused a rift between the United States and United Kingdom. The families of those who died as well US Government and the American People. Victims families are angered by the actions of the Scottish Government. Kara Wiepz of New Jersey who lost her 20 year old brother Richard Monetti; a student at Syracuse University in the terrorist attack on Pan Am Flight 103 was outraged, “I think it’s horrible, when she learned of the news of Al-Megrahi prison release. “I don’t no how to show compassion for someone who showed no remorse.”
Another victim of the bombing Susan Cohen of also from New Jersey was similarly angered of the release,
I think it’s appalling, disgusting and so sickening I can hardly find the words to describe it,” she said. “Lockerbie looks like it never happened now. There isn’t anybody in prison for it.”
FBI chief Robert Mueller was highly agravated by the action of Scottish Justice Ministry. In a statement Mueller said,” Mockery of the rule of law.”
“I am outraged at your decision,” Mueller said in a letter to Scotland’s Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill dated Aug. 21 and posted on the FBI’s Web site. “Your action rewards a terrorist even though he never admitted to his role in this act of mass murder.”
The reaction from the White House was upset. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issues this statement, “As we have expressed repeatedly to officials of the government of the United Kingdom and to Scottish authorities, we continue to believe that Megrahi should serve out his sentence in Scotland”
“On this day, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. We recognize the effects of such a loss weigh upon a family forever.”
The Obama pleaded the Scottish Minstry of Justice not to release Al-Megrahi. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and the victim families beg not to let him go to no avail.
To add insult to injury comments by Muammar Qaddafi while thanking the British Government.
“To my friends in Scotland, the Scottish National Party, and Scottish Prime Minister, and the foreign secretary, I praise their courage for having proved their independence in decision marking despite the unacceptable and unreasonable measures that they faced. Nevertheless they took this courageously right and humanitarian decision.”
“And I say to my friend Brown, the Prime Minister of (Great) Britain, his government, The Queen of Britain (England), Elizabeth, and Prince Andrew, who all contributed to encouraging the Scottish government to take this historic and courageous decision, despite the obstacle.”
Qaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam suggest Quid Pro Quo between the United Kingdom and Libya involving trade. Al-Islam said former British Prime Minster Tony Blair and Colonel Qaddafi discussed Al-Megrahi case in all meetings between the nations leaders.
Al-Islam said on Al Musawassit TV that former Prime Minister Blair discuss the Al-Megraghi case to open relations to sign energy deals with Libya.
“In all commercial contracts, for oil and gas with Britain,(Megrahi)was always on the negotiating table.”
However, The British Foreign Secretary has denied any quid pro quo discussions have taken place involving trade and Al-Megrahi the man who was charged with worst act of terror in British history.
As spokesperson for the Foreign Secretary office said”No deal has been made between the UK Government and Libya in relation to Megrahi and any commercial interests.”
Later Lord Mandelson, First Secretary of State of United Kingdom step in and said the following,”It’s not only completely wrong to make such a suggestion it’s also quite offensive.” Lord Mandelson who left the hospital after prostate operation reiterated his anger at the charge of a quid pro quo.
“As I have already stated, on both occasions Mr. Gaddafi raised the issue or the Libyan prisoner in Scotland’s release as all representative of the Libyan government do.” Lord Mandelson said.
“They had the same response for me as they would have had from any other member of the Government.” He said, “The issue of the prisoner’s release was entirely a matter for the Scottish Justice Minister. Thats his how it was left, this is how it was well understood.”
Lord Mandelson points out there was not a written agreement between Libya and the UK in regards to Al-Megrahi release.
“The issue of prisoner’s release is quite separate from the general matter of our relations and indeed the prisoner’s release had not been influence in any way by the British Government so the business relations will take take their course regardless of what happens to this individual.”
The Daily Mail has extensive coverage including the letter Al Megrahi pleaded his case to the Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill. By Section 3 of the Prisoner and Criminal Proceeding (Compassion) Act of 1993 in Scotland.
The article profiles Al-Megrahi was suspected in the killing of British police officer Yvonne Fletcher who one of several Westminster Police observing a Libyan Dissent protest in 1984 when she was shot and killed.
And a profile and treatment of Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill and demands by the Scots to have him removed from his office; on his soft on crime stances.
Google News
The Daily Mail(U.K.)
WNBC-HD/ News 4 News York
Bloomberg News
