Sunday, August 23, 2009

Scots defend Libyan release

       The Scottish government has defended its decision to free the Lockerbie bomber in the face of a blistering attack from the head of the FBI and criticism yesterday from political opponents at home.
       FBI chief Robert Mueller said in a strongly worded letter to the Scottish justice minister that releasing Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi "gave comfort to terrorists around the world". Mr Mueller said the decision to free Megrahi, who has terminal cancer, on compassionate grounds made a "mockery of justice".
       But the Scottish government hit back,saying the decision to release Megrahi had been reached "on the basis of Scotland's due process, clear evidence and the recommendations from the parole board and prison governor".
       "Compassionate release is not part of the US justice system but it is part of Scotland's," a spokesman said.
       The Lockerbie case has personal resonance for Mr Mueller, a former prosecutor who played a major role in investigating the 1988 bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over the Scottish town in which 270 people died. The majority were Americans. Criticism of the decision also came from Scotland's former first minister Jack McConnell, who said it was a "grave error of judgement".
       "The way in which the decision has been made and the decision itself have damaged the reputation of the Scottish justice system," he said."It's damaged that reputation, but more significantly it's also damaged the reputation of Scotland internationally." The semiautonomous Scottish government,based in Edinburgh, can take decisions independently of London on justice matters but not foreign affairs.
       In its reply to Mr Mueller's criticism,the Scottish government said that before taking the decision, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill "could not have consulted more widely - he spoke with the US families, the US attorney-general, Secretary of State [Hillary] Clinton and many others".
       Britain's Business Secretary Peter Mandelson - Prime Minister Gordon Brown's de facto deputy - said suggestions that a deal had been struck on Megrahi were "offensive".
       The British government is under pressure to explain its role in Megrahi's release, but it says the decision was a matter solely for Scotland. London and Washington have condemned the "hero's welcome" given to Megrahi on his return to Libya.
       "The idea the British government ... would sit down and somehow barter over the freedom or the life of this Libyan prisoner and make it all part of some business deal ... it's not only wrong, it's completely implausible and actually quite offensive," said Mr Mandelson.
       European governments including Britain are lobbying hard for business in Libya as it emerges from years of sanctions. Oil companies such as BP and Shell are among several British firms hoping to make big profits in the desert country. Britain's Foreign Office flatly denied any link.
       "No deal has been made between the UK government and Libya in relation to Megrahi and any commercial interests," a spokesman said.

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