Now Will We Get Some Answers?

Abdelbaset al Megrahi is dead, three years after being released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds because doctors said he had only three months to live.

All 259 people on the Pan Am 103 airliner died and 11 others on the ground in the Dumfries and Galloway town of Lockerbie in Britain's biggest terrorist atrocity.  Megrahi was the only man ever convicted for the terrorist attack.

Dr Jim Swire does not believe Megrahi was to blame for the 1988 bombing and says his conviction had been an 'obstruction' in the search for the truth about the attack. Dr Swire also believes it will be proved that Megrahi was not guilty.

David Ben-Ayreah, a spokesman for the victims of Lockerbie families said: "As someone who attended the trial I have never taken the view that Megrahi was guilty."

David Cameron insists the conviction was sound.

“This has been thoroughly gone through. There was a proper process, a proper court proceeding and all the rest of it. We have to give people the chance to mourn those that were lost. I’m very clear that the court case was properly done and properly dealt with.”

An attempt by the British PM to close the subject once and for all methinks, because the Westminster government has no wish to upset its American friends.

But Alex Salmond is slightly more forthcoming despite criticism from the Justice for Megrahi group.

“The Lockerbie case remains a live investigation, and Scotland’s criminal justice authorities have made clear that they will rigorously pursue any new lines of inquiry.

“Scotland’s senior law officer, the Lord Advocate, recently visited Libya, and we have been offered the co-operation of the new Libyan authorities. It has always been the Crown’s position that Mr Megrahi did not act alone but with others.”

He also added that it was up to Megrahi's relatives to apply to the Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission to seek a further appeal, adding that his death 'ends one chapter of the Lockerbie case, but it does not close the book".

One politician who will be relieved to hear Megrahi has died will be Kenny MacAskill whose judgement for Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds was questioned more and more.

Will we get some answers now or will the Scottish justice system be too afraid to examine its shortcomings - of which there are plenty.  I would like to think Dr Jim Swire, after 25 years of campaigning against the conviction, could eventually acquire some peace in his later years.

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This Could Be the SNP's Legacy

Every government has a wish to be remembered for something.  It's unfortunate that the SNP Scottish government hasn't managed to make their desire for a change in the current council tax possible.

But all is not lost.

Gaddafi has heaped embarrassment on the Scottish government in the past 24 hours.  Via a video link to staff and students at the London School of Economics, Gaddafi insisted Megrahi's "Health was not looked after in prison.  He didn't have any periodic examination.  I wish him a long life.

After he passes away, his family will demand compensation because he was deliberately neglected in prison."

Naturally there is outrage in Scotland at the suggestion anyone is mistreated in prison and Megrahi was neglected, although the deplorable Labour justice spokesman attacked the SNP for releasing Megrahi.

If the SNP wanted to win next year's election then there must be a proper inquiry into the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.  Alex Salmond insists he supports the verdict.  Why?  A powerful committee in the Scottish Parliament has backed a Lockerbie inquiry.  Dr Jim Swire has said that, "Without an inquiry the name of Scottish justice will lie in the gutter."  Other very eminent Scottish legals have joined with the call for an inquiry.

This post is nothing to do with the release of Megrahi which I think was taken within the Scottish prisoner guidelines.  Most of the UK know there is doubt about the conviction of Megrahi yet the First Minister continues to insist that there is none. The post is about an inquiry into Megrahi's conviction.

Obviously there is something behind the issue for Alex Salmond to continue to insist he believes the verdict and perhaps, for reasons only known to the political establishment, he's troubled it will be discovered during an inquiry, but it's time the SNP bit the bullet and made the decision for the world to know the facts.  More and more evidence has appeared over the years yet ,when Megrahi dropped his appeal prior to his release, our political masters seemed to sigh with relief thinking the matter was concluded.

It's not finished by a long chalk if Alex Salmond has the courage to instigate an inquiry.  Yes, maybe the SNP Scottish government has shown, like all governments, to have some faults, but the public would forgive them if the truth about the Lockerbie bombing was exposed.

Time to show some true Scottish backbone Alex and call for an inquiry.  If nothing else it would ensure the SNP had a good chance to be re-elected in May next year.  It could be the SNP's legacy.

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Jim Swire

Nobody can fail to recognise the name Jim Swire or the face.

Dr Swire's daughter Flora was killed on the Pan-Am Flight 103 which a bomb exploded on the plane 30,000ft over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988.

Since then Dr Swire has dedicated his life to make sense of the complex web of technical, legal and, he claims, often officially-suppressed intelligence about who carried out the atrocity.

He, and others, are now petitioning the Scottish Parliament:

Justice for Megrahi Raised by: Dr Jim Swire, Professor Robert Black QC, Mr Robert Forrester, Father Patrick Keegans and Mr Iain McKie on behalf of Justice for Megrahi on 08 October 2010
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to open an independent inquiry into the 2001 Kamp van Zeist conviction of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 in December 1988.

The closing date is 28 October but I would ask you to sign the petition now.  Thank you.

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'The Scottish Government is answerable only to the Scottish people'

Having watched the BBC news, the US senator Menendez has once again been thwarted by Alex Salmond. Those of my readers who are 'body language' experts could see that, underneath his smiling persona, Mr Salmond was seething.

Menendez, in his desperate attempt to be elected in the forthcoming US senate elections, has now suggested that he send a delegation to interview Scottish ministers over the Lockerbie affair.

Alex Salmond has said: "There is no way on earth that the Senate foreign relations committee would be allowed to hold hearings or interview ministers in either London or Edinburgh, as it was unconstitutional and unprecedented. The Scottish Government is only answerable to the Scottish People".

Well done Eck. But there are serious worries within the Scottish population - not least the SNP's insistence that, should Scotland take the decision to be independent, they should be part of the EU. More and more people in Scotland are becoming disillusioned about the EU and the SNP are missing the opportunity for the nation to discuss their concerns. Why can't Alex Salmond show the same leadership as he has with the US and commence a nationwide discussion about their policy? The SNP's policy was formed many years ago and I have no idea if it has been revised in the meantime, but what I do know is that, with their present stance, they will lose many votes.

The SNP won't lose votes because of their confident stance against four US senators though. The only people who will lose votes are the four US senators.

source

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More About BP

BP has confirmed it will begin drilling off the Libyan coast in the next few weeks. This follows a deal signed in 2007 with Libyan oil and gas development.

As the US has a very large stakeholding (oh how I hate that word) in BP, why haven't these 4 very vocal senators been on American television decrying this project.

Today Scotland has seen William Hague enter into the fray about the release of al-Megrahi. "It was wrong and misguided".

All I want to add is that the Westminster government should not involve themselves with our laws. That's a step or two too far. Of course, the new coalition government's aim is to bring the last labour government into disrepute regarding the al-Megrahi release and while they're at it bring the SNP government down.

At times like this I think the 'list' system of election in the Scottish Parliament is wrong. Each of our MSPs should be elected by the people regardless of the outcome.

The Scottish government's handling of this affair has shown me how my country's independent government would behave. Our government, with our own legal system if little else, has shown the world dignity and assertiveness in the face of four US senators who are seeking approval from their own fading electorate.

William Hague has joined his boss Dave to denounce the Scottish government's decision. He would be better occupied learning Scottish law rather than jumping on the bandwagon to appease US politicians. Shame on him too.

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What's Cameron Playing At?

What's David Cameron playing at? I've just heard on radio that he's changed his mind and decided he'll meet the four US senators who, in a vitriolic rage, publicly accused Scotland and the Westminster government of a conspiracy between BP and themselves regarding the release of Megrahi.

Now it appears Cameron has found time to talk to the senators. What an embarrassment for Britain. Would Obama agree to formally meet any of our Lords or MPs about a situation which concerned them if he was on a brief visit to London?

How disappointing to find out so soon into his premiership that David Cameron is no different to recent Prime Ministers and is prepared to be bullied by the US instead of defending Britain first and foremost. There are processes through which the senators' questions can be answered but reorganising his schedule in order to formally talk with them isn't one of them. The Americans will be delighted to find they have another compliant poodle.

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The Decision on Abdelbaset-al-Megrahi

The newly released report from the Justice Committee regarding the decision on Abdelbaset-al-Megrahi has been published by the Scottish Government.

It can be read here.

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Shame on Gaddafi

This is a still of pictures shown on our broadcasting services tonight of Al Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, being 'introduced' to African leaders. A propaganda news item obviously ordered by the head of government.

I found the televising of the event sickening to say the least. Al Megrahi has allowed himself to be used as a monkey while the organ grinder, Gaddafi, continues to display him as some kind of trophy. Scotland's Justice Minister released him on compassionate grounds. Libya doesn't seem to understand the meaning of compassion or have any respect for the political meaning of the release.

Gaddafi has shown the world his true character in this matter, but we mustn't mention it must we? That would be putting our all-important trade links with Libya at risk. Speak about the tail wagging the dog ...

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Labour and the Megrahi Decision

Many of you will have read this article in today's Scotsman from David Maddox. His ability for the over-dramatic knows no bounds.

'The parties have also raised questions over whether the doctor was employed by the Libyan government or Megrahi's legal team, which could have influenced the judgment.'

I was starting to dig for accurate information when Calum's post arrived in my reader. He has analysed the article piece by piece in a clear and concise manner. Do have a read.

For the sake of balance, today's Herald is suggesting the attempt by the opposition parties to bring down Kenny MacAskill has been kicked into the long grass. Am I the only one becoming irritated by Ian Gray and his constant whining? Labour would benefit from buying a positive attitude from Debenhams or another source, then approaching matters like this without the negativity.

Magnus Linklater's piece in Tuesday's Times was missed in my post yesterday. Sometimes the comments are more enlightening that the journalist's composition.

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Holyrood Parliament - Ministerial Statement on the Megrahi Decision

This afternoon at 2.30pm in the Scottish Parliament, there is to be a Ministerial Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on the decision on Mr Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi.

As I cannot find this in television schedules, I thought readers who were interested would like to know it can be viewed on Holyrood Live TV. Takes a few minutes to connect so I suggest you log on about 5 minutes beforehand. For those of you who haven't used the site before you're looking for the live stream in Chamber Live.

On a lighter note, doesn't the Parliament look good from the air? Now I can see the 'upturned boats' the architect talked about. Shame the public don't see that angle, but perhaps the parliament should organise helicopter flights for say £1 a head.

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The Reverberations

'Bomber row could bring down Scots government' is the headline in the Sunday Post this morning.

Parliament is to be recalled tomorrow and Kenny MacAskill will make a statement plus answer questions from MSPs.

However, according to Campbell Gunn, opposition leaders are now understood to be seriously considering calling a vote on the issue, although no vote is scheduled for the end of the session and opposition leaders will wait until it is over before deciding whether to call one.

The likelihood is this would be a vote of 'no confidence' in Mr MacAskill following the full return of Parliament after the end of recess, next week. In that cast Alex Salmond would consider it a vote of no confidence in his Government, as he cannot be put in the position where opposition parties say who can and who cannot be members of his ministerial team.

All three main opposition parties opposed Mr MacAskill's decision so the 47 SNP MSPs would be heavily outnumbered in any vote.

Jack McConnell and Ian Gray bestowed their verbal contributions to the argument.

Whilst the reverberations continue the Prime Minister enjoys the seclusion of his well guarded home in the Kingdom of Fife confident that his new mantra 'silence is golden' will pay off.

Since I starting writing this there have been some good posts published on the same subject. They can be read here, here and here.

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Megrahi and the NHS

This is not a post about the decision to release Mr Megrahi on compassionate grounds. Other bloggers have already analysed and opined on the outcome such as here and here.

The following has been taken from Kenny MacAskill's speech at lunchtime yesterday.

Mr Al-Megrahi was examined by Scottish Prison Service doctors on 3 August. A report dated 10 August from the Director of Health and Care for the Scottish Prison Service indicates that a 3 month prognosis is now a reasonable estimate. The advice they have provided is based not only on their own physical examination but draws on the opinion of other specialists and consultants (my emphasis) who have been involved in his care and treatment. (courtesy of The Lockerbie Case)

Some of my readers may be aware my father died from prostate cancer, so too did the husband of a dear friend and a brother of another. Not one of these men had more than one specialist throughout their treatment. All died within 6 months of the cancer spreading to other parts of their bodies and all were confined to wheelchairs for the last few months.

It was reported in October 2008 that Mr Megrahi's cancer had spread to other parts of his body yet to my surprise, 10 months later, he was able to walk unaided up the steps to the aircraft today. A small observation perhaps but an important one.

An important one because Mr Megrahi appears to have had several specialists looking after his health, whereas the men I know had one. Has that made a difference to his life expectancy? I have no idea as I have no medical knowledge.

Has Mr Megrahi received better care and treatment from the NHS than others? He certainly has received more specialist attention. I am not suggesting because he is a convicted criminal that he should not have received the best the NHS can offer, but I consider every person in the country deserves that too.

Some will think Mr Megrahi had better treatment because of his international status as a convicted criminal. That should not be so. The NHS is for all and 'equality' is often quoted.

Is it not time we recognised that equality within the NHS can be unequal as this case shows? Is it not time we discussed how to reform the NHS and ensure each and every one of us is given the best treatment medicine can provide?

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Mr Megrahi and the Scottish Legal System

All day yesterday and on Newsnight Scotland Tuesday night, I heard MSP Christine Graham speaking about the compassion we must have as a country.

I think Scotland is a very compassionate country but I do resent a politician telling me I am not compassionate unless I agreed to the release of Abdelbaset Ali-al-Megrahi, the man convicted of carrying out the bombing of a Pan Am airliner in 1988, which killed 270 people.

My knowledge of this case is very limited and only gleaned from newspapers. Bloggers such as Lallands Peat Worrier and Robert Black have posted excellent articles regarding the legal aspects and Ms Graham more or less insisted on Newsnight Scotland that Mr Megrahi is innocent. Magnus Linklater has also stated in today's Times that 'from the start there have been suspicions that a vital truth was being withheld'.

What does this say about the Scottish legal system? It certainly doesn't show it in a good light. If further evidence is available, why didn't the legal system move quickly to ensure it was heard in court?

I am sure many people in Scotland consider Mr Megrahi innocent but the Scottish legal system found him guilty. The trial appeared to be a bit of a shambles to me, but as I say, I only read about it in newspapers. My compassion at the time was with the nearest and dearest of the dead and it still is, although I understand those who feel more compassion for Mr Megrahi.

If Mr Megrahi's appeal is to be dropped then there must be an inquiry into the actions of our legal system in this case but how can we be assured it would be independent? So many such inquiries achieve little of substance and unless we insist the questions of the families and other interested parties are all dealt with to their satisfaction, an inquiry would be pointless. Lawyers will protect their own as do other professions.

Should the (leaked) news that Mr Megrahi is to be released next week on compassionate grounds be correct, I wish him a safe return to Libya. It is to be hoped that his wife and family, who have been living in the outskirts of Glasgow for the past few years, will be able to accompany him on his journey home to Tripoli.

Update 12.58pm: Wardog has posted on the same subject and includes a time line of events.

Update 13.15: Mr Megrahi has abandoned his appeal.

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MacAskill visits Megrahi

Kenny MacAskill, Justice Secretary in the Scottish government, has visited Greenock prison this morning to speak to Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi. Mr Megrahi was convicted in 2001 of 270 counts of murder for his part in the bombing of the Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988. He has maintained his innocence.

Mr MacAskill has received a request from Libya for Mr Megrahi to be returned there to finish his sentence. He has spoken with the families of those who were killed and others connected with the case. The visit this morning was private and it is reported Mr MacAskill will not be giving interviews.

Mr Megrahi was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008.

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The Lockerbie Case - The Waiting Game

I confess to being an ignoramus in matters legal, but notification of this, written by Robert Black, QC FRSE, was brought to my attention by one of my kind readers. Mr Black's blog is concerned with the Lockerbie case and the complex legalities.

There has been discussion in the press about recent developments in the case and the fact that the Scottish Government have to make a decision. I quote the conclusion in order to whet your appetite to read it all.

However, there is another course of action open to the Scottish Government, if Ministers have the strength of will and character to withstand the pressure of civil servants assiduously punting the prisoner transfer option. That course of action is compassionate release. This would enable Megrahi to be freed on licence and return to Libya. His appeal would run to its natural conclusion. If he died before the appeal court reached its decision, the appeal could be transferred to his executor or any person having a legitimate interest.

The Scottish public interest demands nothing less than that the concerns over Megrahi’s conviction be ventilated fully in court. Compassionate release provides the only mechanism whereby this can be achieved alongside the humanitarian goal of allowing him to die at home. Have Scottish Ministers the wisdom and the courage to embrace it?

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