Lockerbie bomber released.

[Bill Sikes]

Originally Posted by hoppy

Then why didn't you guys release him 8 years ago with a handshake and a "Go and sin no more"?

He wasn't about to kick the bleedin' bucket then, was he.

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by Bill Sikes

He wasn't about to kick the bleedin' bucket then, was he.

Do Scots release all prisoners who get terminally ill?

[gmc]

Originally Posted by hoppy

Do Scots release all prisoners who get terminally ill?

Any prisoner can apply for release on compassionate grounds and so long as the minister is satisfied he grounds are sufficient they can be released. Being dead in the next few months is one of the reasons it may be considered.

If you want to read the ministers statement here it is.

Lockerbie bomber released: Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill's statement in full - Telegraph

Scotland will forever remember the crime that has been perpetrated against our people and those from many other lands. The pain and suffering will remain forever. Some hurt can never heal. Some scars can never fade.

"Those who have been bereaved cannot be expected to forget, let alone forgive. Their pain runs deep and the wounds remain.

"However, Mr Al Megrahi now faces a sentence imposed by a higher power. It is one that no court, in any jurisdiction, in any land, could revoke or overrule. It is terminal, final and irrevocable. He is going to die.

"In Scotland, we are a people who pride ourselves on our humanity.

"It is viewed as a defining characteristic of Scotland and the Scottish people.

"The perpetration of an atrocity and outrage cannot and should not be a basis for losing sight of who we are, the values we seek to uphold, and the faith and beliefs by which we seek to live.

"Mr Al Megrahi did not show his victims any comfort or compassion. They were not allowed to return to the bosom of their families to see out their lives, let alone their dying days. No compassion was shown by him to them.

"But that alone is not a reason for us to deny compassion to him and his family in his final days.

Just for once I'm quite pleased with the SNP. I suspect a labour minister would have done what he was told by Westminster. As a scot I think taking the moral high ground and keeping to it regardless of what others may think is a better way to go than pander to those who are more powerful and think because of that they should be obeyed. Why should we lower ourselves to the level of the bombers or the petty eye for an eye vindictiveness of the christian right in America? There would, I think, have been outrage if he was perceived to have caved in to American pressure to keep him in jail and it's Scotland the SNP want to win elections in.

If you think mercy and compassion should only be extended to those seen as deserving I think you misunderstand what the words mean. I'm an atheist I shouldn't have to explain it to you.

[hoppy]

I wonder if the families of the Scots that were killed feel the same "compassion"?

[Bez]

Originally Posted by CARLA

I understand but why not have his family come to be with him in his final days in prison till he passes away. Why does he have to a free man to go to his country and die. They people on the plane didn't get to die in the country of their choice. Justice and mercy could have been served just and well with him staying in prison. JMO

If I'm correct Carla, the Libyan goverment have paid for his family to live near to the prison he was being held in....they have also paid all his legal fees.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by hoppy

I wonder if the families of the Scots that were killed feel the same "compassion"?

some will some won't. We tend not to go for the eye for an eye approach to things. There was always doubt about his conviction- It seems to be mainly the american relatives that seem to want to get someone to pay the price whether it was really him or not. There has always been considerable doubt as to his guilt and that he was the only one involved.

[cigar898]

Let him go home. He fell under the Scotts legal jurisdiction and as such is governed by their rules. The US has executed foreign nationals and not even acknowledged the countries request for compassion. The families of those who were killed will just have to be satisfied with Scotland’s law and how it works. As a side note, one with pancreatic cancer don’t usually have long to live anyway. A side thought, he will ‘taste’ freedom for a short time and realize what he has missed.

[Clodhopper]

Good for the Scots.

[Kathy Ellen]

I could never feel compassion for a terrorist who kills 260 people. He doesn't deserve any compassion. And, he doesn't deserve the hero's welcome upon return to his home.

[cigar898]

Originally Posted by Kathy Ellen

I could never feel compassion for a terrorist who kills 260 people. He doesn't deserve any compassion. And, he doesn't deserve the hero's welcome upon return to his home.

Wanna bet there will be a parade.....at least in his home town.......