Megrahi release not discussed by cabinet ahead of decision, papers show The release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi – who was convicted of the Lockerbie bombing – was not discussed by the Scottish cabinet ahead of a final decision being made, newly released papers show.
“Mr MacAskill said that on behalf of Scottish ministers, he was considering the formal application made by the Libyan government on May 5 2009 for the transfer of Abdelbaset Ali Al-Megrahi under the terms of the prisoner transfer agreement between the UK and Libya,” the papers said in June that year.
Only sparse mentions of Megrahi are made, according to minutes, including an acknowledgement by then justice secretary Kenny MacAskill of an application received by the Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi for Megrahi’s release.
The National Records of Scotland has released the cabinet documents from 2009, which includes the time when the decision was taken to release Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
According to newly released documents, no formal discussion was held among the cabinet, which included then deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon and then first minister Alex Salmond.
