Megrahi: SNP’s desperate twisting is just not working

Kenny MacAskill has today told Sky News that when he released Al Megrahi he "followed the guidelines set out by the Scottish Prison Service." He also said that Megrahi had not broken the conditions of his release.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said:

"The SNP is not telling the whole truth. Not only do Alex Salmond and Kenny MacAskill refuse to publish the medical advice which they claim justified the release of the Lockerbie bomber, they conveniently ignore the sections of the guidance on compassionate release which undermine their position.

"The rules could not be clearer. The Ministers must always take into account the nature of the offence, the length of sentence given and served, and any comments made by the trial judge at the time of sentencing.

"The guidance then says that ministers may consider compassionate release – there is no compulsion to grant it. Why can't they just admit that they interpreted the rules to suit their decision, and got it wrong?

"The SNP is desperately twisting to justify its decision, but selective secrecy and amnesia about the rules do not help their cause.

"Furthermore, if Kenny MacAskill thinks that Megrahi acting as chief cheerleader for Gadaffi at a recent rally in Tripoli is fully compliant with the conditions of release, then he is wrong. "

Back to all posts