Questions surround release of Lockerbie bomber, Brits and Libyans deny deal
(NECN/ABC) – Moammar Gadhafi is celebrating forty years in power as Libya’s dictator, but the festivities are overshadowed by the international furor over one of his countrymen. Abdel Baset al-Megrahi is the only man convicted in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988. 270 people died, mostly Americans. Two weeks ago, Scotland returned him to Libyan custody – to the outrage of many. Today, both governments disclosed inside information on the case, trying to prove there was no ulterior motive. In recent pictures, the Lockerbie bomber, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, appears gravely ill. Libyan officials say his health is rapidly deteriorating. Scottish authorities freed him from life in prison 12 days ago on compassionate grounds: Megrahi is suffering from terminal prostate cancer. An international uproar followed including accusations the decision to free him was linked to a secret trade deal with Libya. Under pressure, UK authorities made internal documents on his release public . “We have nothing to hide and we are acting according to due process,” said Kenny MacAskill, Scottish Justice Secretary. Yet Questions remain. In one letter, British officials agree to include Megrahi in a prisoner exchange program “in view of the overwhelming interests of the United Kingdom.” Both British and Libyan officials deny those interests were at all commercial. “Speaking on a deal, it makes me laugh,” says Mohammed Siala, Libyan Secretary for International Co-operation. Megrahi recently dropped an appeal on his conviction even though he claims he was framed. Now, unseen documents on his case will never be released. For the families of the 270 people killed on Pan Am flight 103, Megrahi’s release has brought little resolution. Questions still surround a $900,000,000 deal between British Petroleum and Libya, but British officials stress that Libya is an important partner in the fight against terror and developing a strong relationship with the UK is good for the international community. Gloria Riviera reports for ABC News from London.
