Secret deal to release Megrahi to Libya alleged

MSPs expressed "deep unease" in parliament last week as revelations regarding the appeal process stirred fears that the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, may be sent to back to Libya, abandoning his upcoming appeal.

Claims over secret discussions involving the governments at Holyrood and Westminster, and Libyan officials regarding the possible prisoner transfer of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, have prompted real concerns amongst campaigners and family members of those who died in the bombings.

Mr Megrahi, who suffers from advanced prostate cancer, is currently awaiting his second appeal after the Scottish criminal cases review commission found he may have suffered a miscarriage of justice. Due to commence in April, with the possibility of lasting up to 12 months owing to the complex nature of the case, there is some doubt that Megrahi will live long enough to see the end of the appeal to clear his name.

Ministers have been forced to respond to rumours that Libiyan officials may drop this second appeal pending the release of Mr Megrahi and his movement to Libya to spend the rest of his days among family.

The rumours run that Libyan officials have been encouraged by the UK government to seek a prisoner transfer for Mr Megrahi. A prisoner transfer agreement was signed by Tony Blair and officials from Tripoli, amid great controversy, in November last year. Whitehall, however, have since denied that the agreement had anything to do with the release of the bomber.

The issue was pressed by Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie in first minister's questions last week, though Alex Salmond refused to comment upon the status of the prisoner, citing the possibility that the case may come before him for a ministerial decision.

The Holyrood administration denies allegations of secret negotiations, stating that the Scottish government has not met with the Libyans since last year, when only factual information to do with the Scottish judicial system for conditional release, compassionate release and prisoner transfer agreements was discussed. Moreover, Libyan officials, say the government have not requested a meeting since the factual exchange last year.

Mr Megrahi himself has always maintained his claim of innocence, and has insisted that he will not leave the country unless his name is cleared.