Megrahi release a mistake, says Obama
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Barack Obama today described the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi as a "mistake" and called on the Libyan government to place him under house arrest.
In a live radio interview, the president said the United States administration had been in contact with the Scottish Government to register its objection to the move.
He also called on Libya to ensure Megrahi is not given a welcome back to his home country after being released today from a Scottish prison.
The Lockerbie bomber flew out of Britain today after being freed on compassionate grounds by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
In the build-up to the announcement, Mr MacAskill came under intense US pressure to keep Megrahi behind bars, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lobbying against a decision she said was "absolutely wrong".
Of the 270 victims of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, 189 were American.
Mr Obama said he had contacted families of the deceased and indicated to them that the release was inappropriate.
He added: "We have been in contact with the Scottish Government indicating that we object to this. We thought it was a mistake."
The President continued: "We are now contacting the Libyan government to make sure that if this transfer has taken place, he is not welcomed back in some way but should instead be under house arrest."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments