Dear All
If any further evidence is need that the Scottish Justice Minister made the correct decision then here it is.
People who backed the correct decision taken by Kenny MacAskill.
1. NELSON MANDELA
Professor Jakes Gerwel, chairman of the Mandela Foundation, said in the letter, “Mr Mandela
appreciates the decision to release Mr al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
appreciates the decision to release Mr al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
“Mr Mandela played a central role in facilitating the handover of Mr al-Megrahi and his fellow
accused to the United Nations in order for them to stand trial under Scottish Law in the
Netherlands.”
accused to the United Nations in order for them to stand trial under Scottish Law in the
Netherlands.”
“His interest and involvement continued after the trial,” said the professor.
“The decision to release him now, and allow him to return to Libya, is one which is in line with
his wishes.”
his wishes.”
2. OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES - LABOUR
* Former Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Labour Leader John Prescott when asked on Sky
News if he had any objections to al Megrahi's release, said:
* Former Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Labour Leader John Prescott when asked on Sky
News if he had any objections to al Megrahi's release, said:
“No, I don't have any objections. If the man is dying, if compassion is part, as it is, of the
Scottish administration and the medical authorities then get proof to that effect, then it's a
decision for the legal authority. You know, Scotland has always had a great deal of
independence of its legal authority, going back many years, so we have to respect that decision.
And I do.”
Scottish administration and the medical authorities then get proof to that effect, then it's a
decision for the legal authority. You know, Scotland has always had a great deal of
independence of its legal authority, going back many years, so we have to respect that decision.
And I do.”
* A spokesman for Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, when asked whether the release gave
succour to terrorists, said:
"I don't think it does. This was a decision taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary in accordance
with the laws of Scotland. I don't see that anyone can argue that this gives succour."
succour to terrorists, said:
"I don't think it does. This was a decision taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary in accordance
with the laws of Scotland. I don't see that anyone can argue that this gives succour."
* Former Labour First Minister for Scotland, Henry McLeish, told the BBC Radio Scotland’s
Good Morning Scotland programme (Monday 24th August 2009):
Good Morning Scotland programme (Monday 24th August 2009):
“I think the point is that, if you look at the issue within the context of the criminal justice system,
the independent legal system that we have, this is probably the right decision made for the right
reasons, and I think that’s one of the issues. I think there’s been a lot of debate, a lot of
emotion, a lot of party politics, a lot of personality-attacking...
the independent legal system that we have, this is probably the right decision made for the right
reasons, and I think that’s one of the issues. I think there’s been a lot of debate, a lot of
emotion, a lot of party politics, a lot of personality-attacking...
“But I would like to stress this issue – let’s keep in perspective what the Americans are saying
and, for example, I don’t think we should be always personalising things, but the intervention of
the director of the FBI was totally out of order. It’d be the equivalent of the Met chief writing to
Barack Obama to complain about a decision that was made...
and, for example, I don’t think we should be always personalising things, but the intervention of
the director of the FBI was totally out of order. It’d be the equivalent of the Met chief writing to
Barack Obama to complain about a decision that was made...
"And secondly, let’s as Scots, despite the adversity, be conscious that it is Scotland and our
criminal justice system holds its head high throughout the world, and it doesn’t help if some illinformed remarks are made by the director of the FBI towards that when it’s, quite frankly, none of his business. He has a view, fine, but that was a slur on the Scottish criminal justice system that we didn’t deserve as part of this wider debate."
criminal justice system holds its head high throughout the world, and it doesn’t help if some illinformed remarks are made by the director of the FBI towards that when it’s, quite frankly, none of his business. He has a view, fine, but that was a slur on the Scottish criminal justice system that we didn’t deserve as part of this wider debate."
* Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm - a former Cabinet Minister - said:
“Can I regret the politicisation of what is a quasi-judicial decision, and for my part commend the
Justice Secretary for a courageous decision, which is entirely consistent with both the principles
of Scots Law and Christian morality, as evidenced by the widespread support of Churches
across Scotland.
Justice Secretary for a courageous decision, which is entirely consistent with both the principles
of Scots Law and Christian morality, as evidenced by the widespread support of Churches
across Scotland.
“Does he share my revulsion, however, by what happened when Al-Megrahi returned to Libya,
but does he accept that there is nothing that anyone in this Parliament could have done to stop
that? And does he also agree that it [Libya reaction] is entirely irrelevant to the rights and
wrongs of the original decision?”
but does he accept that there is nothing that anyone in this Parliament could have done to stop
that? And does he also agree that it [Libya reaction] is entirely irrelevant to the rights and
wrongs of the original decision?”
* Tam Dalyell, the former Labour MP and ex-father of the House of Commons:
"Mr MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Minister, has arrived at the right decision on compassionate
grounds.
* On his blog Labour MP and former Environment Minister Michael Meacher wrote:
grounds.
* On his blog Labour MP and former Environment Minister Michael Meacher wrote:
“...Kenny MacAskill…made a brave and principled decision explicitly not on political or
diplomatic grounds, but in accordance with what he clearly argued were the interests of
justice...The contrast between this principled rejection of the US appeal and the UK
Government's supine subservience in granting the US demand for Gary McKinnon's extradition
is all too stark...”
diplomatic grounds, but in accordance with what he clearly argued were the interests of
justice...The contrast between this principled rejection of the US appeal and the UK
Government's supine subservience in granting the US demand for Gary McKinnon's extradition
is all too stark...”
3. OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES - LIBERAL DEMOCRAT
* Former leader of the UK Liberal Democrats Charlie Kennedy MP told his local newspaper - the
Ross-shire Journal (Friday 28th August 2009) - that:
Ross-shire Journal (Friday 28th August 2009) - that:
"Mr Al-Megrahi is dying, and the Justice Secretary was required to find a balance between
justice and compassion in these circumstances. It was his judgement as Minister that
compassion was appropriate. It is not surprising that some disagree very strongly given the
scale of the atrocity committed, but I think the decision was probably the right one even if it was
not necessarily taken in the right way.
justice and compassion in these circumstances. It was his judgement as Minister that
compassion was appropriate. It is not surprising that some disagree very strongly given the
scale of the atrocity committed, but I think the decision was probably the right one even if it was
not necessarily taken in the right way.
"This is not a party political matter, and it should not really be an international political matter
either. It is a question of justice, rightly taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary, and for which he
has rightly been held to account by MSPs with a full range of opinions in the Scottish
Parliament."
either. It is a question of justice, rightly taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary, and for which he
has rightly been held to account by MSPs with a full range of opinions in the Scottish
Parliament."
* Former leader of the UK Liberal party Lord David Steel – the former Presiding Officer of the
Scottish Parliament - said:
Scottish Parliament - said:
“I don’t necessarily think he made the wrong decision, I mean it was quite clearly made on
compassionate grounds. It wasn’t made as part of a prisoner deal; it wasn’t made as part of a
trade agreement, and I think people should focus on that and I think most opinion in Scotland
therefore is in favour of the decision to release him on compassionate grounds.”
compassionate grounds. It wasn’t made as part of a prisoner deal; it wasn’t made as part of a
trade agreement, and I think people should focus on that and I think most opinion in Scotland
therefore is in favour of the decision to release him on compassionate grounds.”
* Former leader of the UK Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell said:
"Labour is clearly facing two ways on this issue: wanting to enhance relations with Libya but at
the same time determined to criticise the SNP for an American audience.”
the same time determined to criticise the SNP for an American audience.”
* Lord David Owen – former joint leader of the Liberal/Social Democrat Alliance - said:
"I am a humanitarian. Wherever you can you come down in the final analysis to looking at the
individual. Are they entitled to die at home or die in prison? If it is humanely possible you should
allow them to die at home.”
individual. Are they entitled to die at home or die in prison? If it is humanely possible you should
allow them to die at home.”
* Current Highland Liberal Democrat MSP John Farquhar Munro said:
“I’m of the opinion that Mr MacAskill had no other choice but the one he made. It was obvious
from the doctors that Megrahi is suffering with cancer and that Megrahi’s health was going down
every day and with that the correct thing happened and that MacAskill let Megrahi go with the
information he had.
from the doctors that Megrahi is suffering with cancer and that Megrahi’s health was going down
every day and with that the correct thing happened and that MacAskill let Megrahi go with the
information he had.
“I believe that MacAskill did the thing that was right and the ting that people will be looking on
for years to come and that every time they raise the question of how well MacAskill did because
of the rules and laws of Scotland.
for years to come and that every time they raise the question of how well MacAskill did because
of the rules and laws of Scotland.
“The right thing happened and MacAskill made the right and correct decision. With that it
doesn’t give me any troubles whatsoever that there are some who are complaining.”
doesn’t give me any troubles whatsoever that there are some who are complaining.”
* Current Central Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Hugh O'Donnell said:
"I thought the release of Megrahi in the circumstances was the right decision." (Herald,
26/08/09)
26/08/09)
* Dr Christopher Mason, Leader of Liberal Democrats on Glasgow City Council in a letter to the
Herald (26/08/09) wrote:
Herald (26/08/09) wrote:
“I wish to state, as a Liberal Democrat, that I think Kenny MacAskill's decision to release
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi on licence was right."
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi on licence was right."
4. LEGAL
* Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, who was Lord Advocate brought the prosecution against Megrahi,
rejected the claims by FBI chief Robert Mueller that the decision gives comfort to terrorists. He
said:
rejected the claims by FBI chief Robert Mueller that the decision gives comfort to terrorists. He
said:
“As a former Lord Advocate I’m quite appalled that the head of the FBI, Robert Mueller, should
have set his face so openly against Scotland.”
have set his face so openly against Scotland.”
* Scottish Law Society president Ian Smart said the decision had upheld the reputation of the
legal profession. He said the doubts were only over evidence, not process. (Scotsman, 21
August 2009)
legal profession. He said the doubts were only over evidence, not process. (Scotsman, 21
August 2009)
* Retired senior Scottish judge Lord McCluskey said:
"There is no reason for us not to show compassion – apart from revenge, which isn't the
sweetest of virtues."
sweetest of virtues."
* A poll of Scottish lawyers by Scottish Legal News backed Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill’s
decision to release the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing on compassionate grounds.
The survey carried out by Scottish Legal News showed that more than two-thirds of lawyers
supported the Justice Secretary’s ruling.
decision to release the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing on compassionate grounds.
The survey carried out by Scottish Legal News showed that more than two-thirds of lawyers
supported the Justice Secretary’s ruling.
A total of 424 readers responded to the survey, with two-thirds (67.9 per cent) saying ‘Yes’, the
minister made the right call.
minister made the right call.
* Professor Peter Duff, Law lecturer at Aberdeen University, said:
"Regardless of whether he committed the crime or not, we want to show we are more civilised
than the people who commit such crimes."
than the people who commit such crimes."
* Professor Andrew Coyle, the former Governor of Greenock prison:
“This case is about compassionate health grounds. It’s nothing to do with the guilt or otherwise.
It has nothing to do with the crime that was committed. In a humane society, we do not expect
people to die in a prison cell far from their family and friends.”
It has nothing to do with the crime that was committed. In a humane society, we do not expect
people to die in a prison cell far from their family and friends.”
5. SCOTTISH CHURCHES
* The Reverend Ian Galloway, convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of
Scotland said:
Scotland said:
"This decision has sent a message to the world about what it is to be Scottish.
"We are defined as a nation by how we treat those who have chosen to hurt us. Do we choose
mercy even when they did not chose mercy?
mercy even when they did not chose mercy?
"I understand the deep anger and grief that still grips the souls of the victims' families and I
respect their views, but to them, I would say justice is not lost in acting in mercy.
respect their views, but to them, I would say justice is not lost in acting in mercy.
“Instead our deepest humanity is expressed for the better. To choose mercy is the tough choice
and today our nation met that challenge."
and today our nation met that challenge."
* Roman Catholic Archbishop Mario Conti said:
“I personally, and many others in the Catholic community admired the decision to release
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi on grounds of compassion which is, after all, one of the principles
inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament by which Scotland’s Government should
operate.
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi on grounds of compassion which is, after all, one of the principles
inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament by which Scotland’s Government should
operate.
“The showing of mercy in any situation is not a sign of weakness. Indeed in this situation, with
the pressures and circumstances of the case, it seemed to me a sign of manifest strength.
the pressures and circumstances of the case, it seemed to me a sign of manifest strength.
“Despite contrary voices I believe it is a decision which will be a source of pride for many Scots
and one which will be respected in the international community.
and one which will be respected in the international community.
“I have been impressed by the expressions of understanding and insight from Dr Jim Swire and
other relatives who lost loved ones on the Pan Am flight who have acknowledged both the
rightness of the gesture of compassion and the doubts as to the safety of the original
conviction."
other relatives who lost loved ones on the Pan Am flight who have acknowledged both the
rightness of the gesture of compassion and the doubts as to the safety of the original
conviction."
* The Reverend David Chillingworth, primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church:
"On one side of the balance is the suffering caused by this appalling act of terrorism and the
need to sustain public confidence in our system of justice. On the other side is the need to
consider whether, in circumstances such as these, justice should be tempered with mercy and
compassion. This decision sends to the world an important and positive message about our
values."
need to sustain public confidence in our system of justice. On the other side is the need to
consider whether, in circumstances such as these, justice should be tempered with mercy and
compassion. This decision sends to the world an important and positive message about our
values."
* Writing to all MSPs ahead of a parliamentary debate on Wednesday the Joint Faiths Advisory
Board on Criminal Justice wrote:
Board on Criminal Justice wrote:
“We write in support of the decision to release Mr Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi on
compassionate grounds. The JFABCJ believes that this decision was both right and just.
compassionate grounds. The JFABCJ believes that this decision was both right and just.
“Terrorism brings death and destruction but perhaps more than that it seeks to degrade the
ordinary life of the world; striving to dehumanise us all by encouraging intolerance, fear,
xenophobia and the desire for vengeance and retribution. You have, by your action, shown to all
of those who would subvert the ordinary daily life of the world that we will not allow them to
dehumanise us because we will continue to show mercy. Mercy which is valuable to all even
when it is hard to be merciful and it may appear that the consequences of that mercy are not in
our immediate interest.
ordinary life of the world; striving to dehumanise us all by encouraging intolerance, fear,
xenophobia and the desire for vengeance and retribution. You have, by your action, shown to all
of those who would subvert the ordinary daily life of the world that we will not allow them to
dehumanise us because we will continue to show mercy. Mercy which is valuable to all even
when it is hard to be merciful and it may appear that the consequences of that mercy are not in
our immediate interest.
“It would be impossible not to be aware of the feelings of those who lost loved ones as a result
of what happened in the skies above Lockerbie and we would never fail to recognise their pain,
anger and loss but we believe that to show mercy can only lead us all further down the path to
understanding, peace and the restoration of wholeness to the hearts of individuals and the
world. At the Scottish Government debate on Wednesday morning we encourage you to call for
a free vote on this matter of conscience.”
of what happened in the skies above Lockerbie and we would never fail to recognise their pain,
anger and loss but we believe that to show mercy can only lead us all further down the path to
understanding, peace and the restoration of wholeness to the hearts of individuals and the
world. At the Scottish Government debate on Wednesday morning we encourage you to call for
a free vote on this matter of conscience.”
6. DIPLOMATIC
* Oliver Miles, Former UK Ambassador to Libya, said:
"If he died in prison, that would be a very serious matter. The process of normalisation has been
going since the mid-1990s. It is a long, long process and this is just one part of it."
"If he died in prison, that would be a very serious matter. The process of normalisation has been
going since the mid-1990s. It is a long, long process and this is just one part of it."
Referring to the US government, which had been pressuring the Scottish Government not to
release Megrahi, Mr Miles added: "I am dismayed to see them behaving like this."
release Megrahi, Mr Miles added: "I am dismayed to see them behaving like this."
* Sir Richard Dalton, who was British ambassador to Libya between 1999 and 2002:
He called the decision of Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to release terminally ill
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi "difficult" but "right".
He called the decision of Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to release terminally ill
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi "difficult" but "right".
"Appalling though the atrocity was that led to the deaths of 270 people, there are not good
reasons why anybody convicted of that crime should be excepted from normal rules which apply
for considering release on compassionate grounds.
reasons why anybody convicted of that crime should be excepted from normal rules which apply
for considering release on compassionate grounds.
"There is no doubt that Megrahi has been sent home to die. The reasons why he met the
criterion for compassionate release was set out clearly by the Justice Secretary in Scotland and
I believe it was the right thing to do, albeit I understand the pain that would be felt my many of
those personally affected by the atrocity.”
criterion for compassionate release was set out clearly by the Justice Secretary in Scotland and
I believe it was the right thing to do, albeit I understand the pain that would be felt my many of
those personally affected by the atrocity.”
When asked what he thought of Conservative leader David Cameron's attack on the decision,
Sir Richard said: "I believe he is wrong. He conspicuously did not address the question which I
raised at the beginning, which is why in the case of Lockerbie should normal criteria be set
aside? Maybe he was thinking politically about his relationship with the United States politicians
rather than thinking in terms of the judicial process."
Sir Richard said: "I believe he is wrong. He conspicuously did not address the question which I
raised at the beginning, which is why in the case of Lockerbie should normal criteria be set
aside? Maybe he was thinking politically about his relationship with the United States politicians
rather than thinking in terms of the judicial process."
7. INTERNATIONAL PRESS COMMENTARY
* The Irish Times:
“The decision of the Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to release on compassionate
grounds the only man convicted of the murder of 270 people in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am
flight over the Scottish town of Lockerbie is welcome...a necessary price for what was a just and
humane decision.”
“The decision of the Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to release on compassionate
grounds the only man convicted of the murder of 270 people in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am
flight over the Scottish town of Lockerbie is welcome...a necessary price for what was a just and
humane decision.”
* The Irish Examiner:
“Lockerbie release - Mercy is not a sign of weakness
“It is difficult to understand what is to be gained – other than revenge – by keeping a dying man
behind bars. Equally, it would be unwise for anyone, American or Libyan, to confuse mercy with
weakness. Surely mercy will do more to build bridges than revenge. If not we are all living in a
world as dark and dismal as Guantanamo was not so long ago.”
“Lockerbie release - Mercy is not a sign of weakness
“It is difficult to understand what is to be gained – other than revenge – by keeping a dying man
behind bars. Equally, it would be unwise for anyone, American or Libyan, to confuse mercy with
weakness. Surely mercy will do more to build bridges than revenge. If not we are all living in a
world as dark and dismal as Guantanamo was not so long ago.”
* The Times of India:
“Times View: Justice does not mean revenge
“While the condemnation, particularly from those who lost family members, is understandable,
the decision is a difficult but correct one.”
“Times View: Justice does not mean revenge
“While the condemnation, particularly from those who lost family members, is understandable,
the decision is a difficult but correct one.”
* Germany's 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung':
"To reprieve a seriously ill prisoner is an act of humanity"
"To reprieve a seriously ill prisoner is an act of humanity"
* Asian Tribune - 2009-08-23
"Therefore, the events of this week show that the release of a convict on compassionate
grounds does not reflect the weakness of the British justice system. On the contrary, it shows
that it can effortlessly elevate itself to the moral high ground while manoeuvring the complex
web of politics and diplomacy – a courageous step in the right direction.
"Therefore, the events of this week show that the release of a convict on compassionate
grounds does not reflect the weakness of the British justice system. On the contrary, it shows
that it can effortlessly elevate itself to the moral high ground while manoeuvring the complex
web of politics and diplomacy – a courageous step in the right direction.
Rather than being behind the times, the SNP Scottish Government is spearheading Justice and Compassion in a world falling apart by hate, greed and stupidity.
Something that every Scot and person who believes in Justice can be proud of.
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
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