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Conservative leader David Cameron has blasted the Scottish Government for its decision to free Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi.
Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill announced on Thursday that Megrahi would be freed "on compassionate grounds".
But Cameron criticised the ruling, stating that it was "wrong" and "the product of some completely nonsensical thinking".
"This man was convicted of murdering 270 people, he showed no compassion to them, they weren't allowed to go home and die with their relatives in their own bed and I think this is a very bad decision," he stated.
Megrahi, who is suffering from terminal cancer, had been sentenced to life for the murder of 270 people after a plane was brought down in the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988.
Explaining his decision, MacAskill stated that Lybian-born Megrahi "faces justice from a higher power... he is going to die".
"I am conscious there are deeply held feelings and that many will disagree whatever my decision. However a decision has to be made," he added.
"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."
The US administration said it "deeply regrets" the Scottish Government's decision.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said: "Megrahi was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which blew up over Scotland on December 21, 1988.
"As we have expressed repeatedly to officials of the government of the United Kingdom and to Scottish authorities, we continue to believe that Megrahi should serve out his sentence in Scotland.
"On this day, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. We recognise the effects of such a loss weigh upon a family forever."
Article Comments
What a poor race the scots are,they cannot allow justice to take its course.We must see they never again meddle in Englands affairs or parliment. Pip Sqeaks trying to pretend they are a major player on the world stage.
R H Kershaw
20th Aug 2009 at 7:30 pm
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