News In Focus
31 October 2008
Megrahi could be freed on bail within a week
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the convicted Lockerbie bomber, could be freed from prison on bail within a week.
Megrahi has advanced prostate cancer which has spread to other parts of his body and has been given only months to live. His medical reports have been sent to the appeal courts. Megrahi's appeal against his life sentence for the Lockerbie bombing is due to be heard next year.
His solicitor, Tony Kelly, said his client would continue the fight to clear his name despite his illness.
Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora was killed on board the plane which exploded above Lockerbie in 1988 killing 270 people, said Megrahi should be freed and that the latest appeal should be heard sooner rather than later.