Megrahi backs calls for probe into Lockerbie

Published on Saturday 29 August 2009 11:29

THE Lockerbie bomber today backed calls for a public inquiry into the atrocity.

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi said it was "unfair" to the victims' families not to have an inquiry into the bombing.

Megrahi, 57, speaking from a bed in his home in Tripoli, Libya, said: "I support the issue of a public inquiry if it can be agreed.

"In my view, it is unfair to the victims' families that this has not been heard. It would help them to know the truth. The truth never dies. If the UK guaranteed it, I would be very supportive.

"My feeling is that the UK Government will avoid a public inquiry because it would be a headache for them and the Americans."

Last week Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer, was allowed to leave Greenock prison to go home to Libya to die. The man who was convicted of murdering 270 people in the December 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103 returned to a hero's welcome.

Yesterday an ICM Research poll said 60 per cent of those questioned thought it was wrong to release Megrahi, and 57 per cent thought he should have stayed in prison until he died.