The man convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 overLockerbie, Scotland, could be released from prison next week oncompassionate grounds, according to British television. The reports ofa release have prompted mixed reactions from families of the victims.
Former Libyanintelligence agent Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi is serving a life sentencein a prison in Scotland. But, news reports in Britain say he could bereleased as early as next week.
Megrahi is dying of prostatecancer and his condition is reported to have worsened. Reports say hisearly release could be granted on humanitarian grounds to allow him tospend his remaining days with family back in Libya.
There hasbeen no official confirmation of such a move, but Scottish JusticeSecretary Kenny MacAskill says he is considering the issue.
"Ihave made no decision," said MacAskill. "Clearly I have been listeningto representations from the Americans and from the families [of thevictims]. I now have to reflect. I am conscious I have to do so asspeedily as possible. Clearly, he is terminally ill and there areother factors. But, I have made no decision yet."
A bomb aboardPan Am Flight 103 brought down the passenger jet in December 1988 overthe town of Lockerbie. All 259 people on board were killed along with11 on the ground. Most of the victims were Americans.
Reports of Megrahi's possible release have prompted mixed reactions from family members of some of the victims.
Speaking on British television, Kathleen Flynn said Megrahi's release would not be right.
"You do not allow someone who has murdered, premeditated murder of 270 innocent people, and let him walk away," she said.
Butspeaking for some of the British victims' families, Jim Swire, takes adifferent view. "It is easy for me because I do not believe he'sguilty. I think he should never have been found guilty," he said.
TwoLibyans were indicted for the attack, but only Megrahi was convictedunder Scottish law at a trial in the Netherlands. Many of the familiesof Britons killed in the bombing have said they do not think theevidence against Megrahi was conclusive.
He began his prison term in 2002. He has maintained his innocence and has twice appealed his sentence.
Fouryears after his conviction, the Libyan government officiallyacknowledged responsibility and agreed to pay $2.7 billion incompensation to the victims' families. That paved the way for thelifting of Western sanctions against Libya and normalization ofdiplomatic ties.