Documents Reveal Lack of Discussion on Megrahi Release

Newly released cabinet documents from 2009 reveal that the Scottish Government, led by First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, did not formally discuss the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the convicted Lockerbie bomber, prior to his release on compassionate grounds. Megrahi, who was suffering from terminal prostate cancer, was the only individual convicted of the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people. The decision, made by then Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, was met with international outrage, including condemnation from US President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The cabinet minutes provide sparse details on the discussions, acknowledging only an application from the Libyan government for Megrahi's release. Following his release, Megrahi returned to Libya and received a hero's welcome, further fueling anger in the UK and US. Despite his conviction, MacAskill has expressed doubts about Megrahi's guilt, suggesting another individual may be responsible for the bombing.