Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has branded the celebrations marking the release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, as "grotesque." The controversial 2009 decision to free the convicted terrorist on compassionate grounds continues to spark outrage.
Sturgeon, who was Deputy First Minister at the time, reiterated her disapproval of the scenes in Libya where crowds cheered al-Megrahi's return. "The images of celebration were deeply offensive to the families of the 270 victims," she stated.
Background of the Lockerbie Tragedy
The Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie in December 1988 remains one of Britain's deadliest terrorist attacks. Al-Megrahi was the only person convicted for the atrocity, though doubts about his guilt persist.
Compassionate Release Controversy
Scottish authorities released al-Megrahi in 2009 after doctors said he had only three months to live with prostate cancer. He survived nearly three years, fueling criticism of the decision.
Sturgeon emphasized that while Scotland's justice system allows for compassionate release, "this should never be interpreted as doubt about his guilt." The case continues to strain UK-Libya relations and remains a sensitive issue in Scottish politics.
