The Scottish Justice Secretary's decision to release the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing has aroused enormous controversy, but here are a few points worth making:
There is evidence that Libya was not behind the bombing, that Iran probably was the instigator;
Al Magrahi has served a long sentence for a crime which may not have been his doing;
He is on the point of dying from prostate cancer and the release was a compassionate act;
Making the decision to release him was a courageous one and it strengthens the Scottish government insofar as it can act unilaterally if need be;
The Scottish government has powers which enable it to act independently in some areas despite intense pressure from America and others, for example;
It proves that the nationalist government does not court popularity for its own sake from its electorate but relies on good judgment and wise policies, while acting in Scotland's best interests.
Defending compassion
Kenny MacAskill explained his decision in a long and detailed statement at a news conference in Edinburgh. He declared that “Scotland will forever remember the crime” that was perpetrated in Lockerbie, and that the “pain and suffering of victim’s families will remain forever”.
He added, however, that Scotland’s "justice system demands that judgment be imposed but compassion be available. Our beliefs dictate that justice be served, but mercy be shown".
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
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