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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Bomber Release 'My Decision': Scot Justice Secretary

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(Newser) – Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill said today that the release of the Lockerbie bomber "was my decision and my decision alone," reports the Times of London, but that Libya violated an agreement in greeting Abdelbaset al-Megrahi with a hero's welcome. “It is a matter of great regret that Mr. al-Megrahi was received in such an inappropriate manner,” he told Scottish parliament. "It showed no compassion or sensitivity to the families of the 270 victims of Lockerbie."

MacAskill also reiterated his claim that the release of al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds was not a political move. “My decision was made following due process and according to the law of Scotland. I stand by the law and values of Scotland,” he said. “I live with the consequences.” Libyan officials say there was no “hero’s reception” for the Lockerbie bomber. “It is like when someone returns from the hajj,” one says.

Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.
Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.   (AP Photo)
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.   (AP Photo)
Libyan Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, who was found guilty of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, center, is helped down the airplane steps on his arrival at an airport in Tripoli, Libya.
Libyan Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, who was found guilty of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, center, is helped down the airplane steps on his arrival at an airport in Tripoli, Libya.   (AP Photo)
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Compassion, which after all is inscribed on the Mace of the Scottish Parliament as one of the principles by which we should operate, is not a sign of weakness. It seemed to me to be a sign of manifest strength. - Kenny MacAskill

Assurances had been given by the Libyan government that any return would be dealt with in a low-key and sensitive fashion. - Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill

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8 comments
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Reader60610265
Aug 24, 09 1:42 PM CDT
And What did he think a terrorist supporting nation would do . I wonder if the scots ever heard the one about the frog hitching a ride on the back of a snake ? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Itsthelaw
Aug 27, 09 4:30 PM CDT
Hello from Edinburgh. Frogs, snakes? Sorry you've lost me. Anyway, it's the law - if you're about to snuff it you get out. That's the deal. The "british" haven't given the Scots anything. Scottish law has always been separate. Kenny MacAskill is a decent bloke, 20 years legal experience before joining parliament.
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doingtherightthing
Aug 24, 09 1:45 PM CDT
no doubt this Macaskill is a pure idiot. Not even the leftwingtrolls are that stupid to release a mass murderer back into society again. This guy is thinking with his small head.... what a dumbass........... Reply
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lthurman
Aug 24, 09 2:07 PM CDT
In his quote, it's not a matter of weakness, it's a matter of right or wrong and he's wrong! His compassion is greatly misplaced! The British have given the Scots a little to much leeway if this is the best they can do. Reply
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jamerican
Aug 24, 09 6:18 PM CDT
At least he is an honest fool who takes responsibility...and one without any relatives on the plane no doubt...or possibly a crook that got paid off. Reply
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