Libya Lockerbie Suspect Megrahi Asks to Be Released from UK Prison

Megrahi is currently being held in Greenock prison where he is receiving treatment for advanced stage prostate cancer. Photo by the BBC

The man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, has asked to be released from jail on compassionate grounds.

Scottish ministers will now consider the application from Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer last year, the BBC reported.

Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, will make the final decision.

If the application is successful, Megrahi's release from Greenock Prison would allow him to return to Libya without dropping his appeal.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman confirmed that ministers will now seek advice on the application.

Libya has already submitted a request to have Megrahi returned.

A total of 270 people died when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988.

According to The Herald newspaper, MacAskill is thought to have released three terminally ill patients on compassionate grounds last year.

Traditionally, only applications from those with three months to live are granted.

Megrahi is currently being held in Greenock prison where he is receiving treatment for advanced stage prostate cancer.

 

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