Lockerbie Bomber’s Release in 2009 Was Not Discussed by Scottish Cabinet, Documents Reveal

Newly released records show Abdelbaset al-Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds was decided without formal cabinet deliberation, raising questions about the decision-making process.

Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the only man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, was released in 2009 on compassionate grounds due to terminal cancer.
Recently declassified Scottish cabinet documents reveal that the decision to release Megrahi was not formally discussed by the cabinet, which included then-First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The decision was handled by then-Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who cited medical reports predicting Megrahi had only three months to live; however, Megrahi lived for three more years after his release.
Megrahi received a hero’s welcome in Libya following his release, which sparked widespread anger in the UK and the US, particularly among victims’ families.
The new revelations surface as Abu Agila Masud, another suspect in the bombing, is set to stand trial in the US, with MacAskill expressing confidence in Masud’s guilt.