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21/08/2009
Anger As Lockerbie Bomber Returns Home
Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi has returned home to Libya, as relatives of the victims and US President Barack Obama voiced their anger.
The 57-year-old, who has terminal prostate cancer, was convicted of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie in Scotland on December 21, 1988, killing 270 people, in 2001.
He was released on compassionate grounds by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill on Thursday. It is believed that Megrahi only has about three months to live.
However, the move has sparked anger from some of the relatives of those who died in the bombing, as well as President Obama, who said that the decision was "a mistake".
Stephanie Bernstein, whose husband was killed in the bombing, told the BBC that the decision was "naive".
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that it would be "absolutely wrong" to release Megrahi.
Megrahi was flown to Libya upon his release on Thursday and received a hero's welcome upon his return.
US authorities are reported to be in contact with Libya in order to ask that he be placed under house arrest.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that the sight of Megrahi receiving a hero's welcome was "deeply upsetting".
The BBC has also now reported that a Royal visit to Libya by the Duke of York, which was planned for early September, is now being reconsidered.
(KMcA/BMcC)
The 57-year-old, who has terminal prostate cancer, was convicted of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie in Scotland on December 21, 1988, killing 270 people, in 2001.
He was released on compassionate grounds by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill on Thursday. It is believed that Megrahi only has about three months to live.
However, the move has sparked anger from some of the relatives of those who died in the bombing, as well as President Obama, who said that the decision was "a mistake".
Stephanie Bernstein, whose husband was killed in the bombing, told the BBC that the decision was "naive".
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that it would be "absolutely wrong" to release Megrahi.
Megrahi was flown to Libya upon his release on Thursday and received a hero's welcome upon his return.
US authorities are reported to be in contact with Libya in order to ask that he be placed under house arrest.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that the sight of Megrahi receiving a hero's welcome was "deeply upsetting".
The BBC has also now reported that a Royal visit to Libya by the Duke of York, which was planned for early September, is now being reconsidered.
(KMcA/BMcC)
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20 August 2009
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
28 July 2010
US Senate Postpone Lockerbie Hearings
Senate hearings in the US investigating the release of the Lockerie bomber have been postponed amid accusations that BP and British officials are "stonewalling" the probe.
US Senate Postpone Lockerbie Hearings
Senate hearings in the US investigating the release of the Lockerie bomber have been postponed amid accusations that BP and British officials are "stonewalling" the probe.
19 April 2004
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
Minister visits Libya to foster trade links
Following on from Tony Blair's visit to Libya last month, it has been announced that Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will visit Libya tomorrow on a two-day visit. Mr O'Brien, who visited the north African nation in August 2001, was the first time a British Minister met the Libyan leader.
16 September 2011
Rebel Forces Move In On Final Strongholds
Anti-Gaddafi forces are attempting renewed assaults on Loyalist strongholds in Sirte and Bani Walid as David Cameron visits "free Libya". According to reports on Friday morning, gunfire and explosions have been heard around Bani Walid, situated 110 miles south of Tripoli, as fighters continue their final push.
Rebel Forces Move In On Final Strongholds
Anti-Gaddafi forces are attempting renewed assaults on Loyalist strongholds in Sirte and Bani Walid as David Cameron visits "free Libya". According to reports on Friday morning, gunfire and explosions have been heard around Bani Walid, situated 110 miles south of Tripoli, as fighters continue their final push.
12 October 2006
Legal bid fails for Guantanamo Britons
Relatives of three British men being held in Guantanamo Bay have failed in their legal bid to force the government to press for their release.
Legal bid fails for Guantanamo Britons
Relatives of three British men being held in Guantanamo Bay have failed in their legal bid to force the government to press for their release.
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