Medical revelation adds to Lockerbie bomber anniversary row
The Lockerbie bomber was released on the basis of "flawed" medical evidence, a leading cancer specialist has claimed.
It is two years since the man convicted of the 1988 atrocity was released and sent back to Libya.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 20.08.11
- Published online : 20.08.11 @ 09.01am
Professor Roger Kirby said the doctor responsible for compiling the medical reports that saw Abdelbaset al-Megrahi freed on compassionate grounds two years ago today was not aware of all available treatments.
He said drugs such as abiraterone, not available in the UK, are "transforming" the prospects for prostate cancer sufferers and making them live "longer and longer."
Megrahi was thought to have less than three months to live when he was released from Greenock Prison on August 20, 2009.
Professor Kirby's comments come as the second anniversary of the controversial decision sparks renewed criticism of the SNP Government.
Relatives of victims killed in the bombing and opposition politicians at Holyrood are demanding an apology from First Minister Alex Salmond.
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said it was a sign of First Minister Alex Salmond's "arrogance" that he has refused to apologise for releasing Megrahi.
"Two years on it is clear he got it terribly wrong. He claims the decision was made on compassionate grounds, but it is time he showed some compassion for the families of the victims.
"It is a further insult to the victims that he refuses still to publish all the medical evidence the release was based on.
"If the decision was made for humanitarian reasons, he should do the humane thing and apologise for the pain caused to the relatives."
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman John Lamont added: "It is time for an apology from Alex Salmond and the SNP."
Pamela Dix, whose brother Peter was killed in the bombing, said: "The fact that it's now years later means that the decision was probably made on a spurious basis.
"I'm sure Kenny MacAskill made it in good faith, but why are we having this discussion now? It's just another thing that remains unsolved."
Continued...
09.43am - 20.08.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
Just what is it that London's LibConDem poodles dont understand about " not available in the UK"?
10.02am - 20.08.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
If Magrahi remained in jail and refused treatment for his terminal cancer, he could have died in 3 months, thats the advice given to MacKaskill, thanks to Mr Kirby we now know why he has managed to live for another couple of years.
10.12am - 20.08.2011 Dave - Stirling, Uk Report This
Soooo the estimate that he would be expected to live only 3 months if he remained the in the UK under the treatment of the NHS was 100% CORRECT then? This mudslinging only reveals one thing... that the NHS is condeming prostate cancer sufferers to an early painful death!!!
10.22am - 20.08.2011 Ronald Yeoman - Cardenden, United Kingdom Report This
So the doctor that said the man had terminal cancer (3 months) was wrong because he did not take into account a wonder drug he knew very little about. Why did he know so little - becase in 2009 when Megrahi was released there had only ever been a small scale trial on 21 men. A cure to consider; NO!
10.53am - 20.08.2011 Graham Seed - Edinburgh, Scotland Report This
So what is the response of the Scottish Parliament that freed this man? They are now very quiet on the matter. It was always a mistake and driven by ulterior motives.
12.35pm - 20.08.2011 Caadfael - Forfar, Nuclear free Scotland Report This
"abiraterone, not available in the UK" What's so difficult to understand about that?
07.01am - 21.08.2011 Lee Handley - Byron Bay, Australia Report This
How many years did the captain of the US ship that ordered the destruction of an Iranian passenger jet serve?
02.53pm - 21.08.2011 Scott - Glasgow, Scotland Report This
Salmond and MacAskill's determination to sit at the top table they often talk about left them with this massive decision. But before the world's media, both rpembarrassed themselves right throughout. Not speaking to US relatives, a skin crawling conference, saltires flying at a victorious airport.
04.10pm - 21.08.2011 Bach - Cardiff, Cymru Report This
At least MacAskill hasnt tried the usual SNP tactic of saying the opposite of the Westmnster (to the SNP English) government that al-Megrahi But then that s probably due to the fact that in the spotlight is the Scottish justice system, not the English one.
06.32pm - 21.08.2011 Jim - Fife, Scotland Report This
Yet Scots cancer succeeded can't get this drug? Interesting to know.
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