The Lockerbie decision 'was wrong'

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Scottish political parties have criticised the Scottish Government's decision to free convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi amid calls for the Scottish Parliament to be recalled.

Labour leader Iain Gray said had he been First Minister: "Megrahi would not be going back to Libya. The decision to release him is wrong.

"He was convicted of the worst terrorist atrocity in our history, the mass murder of 270 people."

Gray said that while there could be sympathy for the family of a gravely ill prisoner, the victims of Lockerbie should be honoured and respected.

"The SNP's handling of this case has let down Scotland. Kenny MacAskill's conduct has damaged the Scottish Justice system and, in turn, Scotland's international reputation," he added, continuing: "This whole sorry affair shows the SNP as unfit when it comes to the tough decisions of government."

Conservative shadow Justice Secretary Bill Aitken said he deeply regretted the decision and he called for the Scottish Parliament to be recalled so that the Scottish government could explain its decision.

Aitken continued: "Alex Salmond's Government has mishandled this whole affair and has been found wanting on the international stage. He now needs to show some political dignity, recall Parliament and answer a growing list of unanswered questions.

"The government has done a disservice to the relatives of the victims of the Lockerbie atrocity. If Mr Megrahi is hailed as a hero on his return to Libya then it will only add insult to injury."

Labour shadow Justice Secretary Richard Baker also sought a recall of parliament, saying: "Kenny MacAskill's handling of this issue has been utterly woeful and he now needs to answer to Parliament.

"The Scottish public and the families of the victims need to hear directly from Mr MacAskill why he arrived at this decision and why he mishandled the whole affair."

Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott commented: "The eyes of the world were on Scotland today watching this shambles draw to a close. The way that the SNP Government has treated this sensitive issue has betrayed a total lack of competence, and respect to the families of the victims of the Lockerbie bomber.

"Families hear first through the media that Al-Megrahi is to be released before they hear the explanation from the Justice Secretary. Once again the SNP prove that they don't understand the responsibility of Government, only the publicity matters."