Cardinal calls for Megrahi conviction inquiry

CARDINAL Keith O'Brien has added his voice to those calling for an independent inquiry into the conviction of the Lockerbie bomber.

The leader of Scotland's Roman Catholics said he would sign an online petition calling for a review of the 2001 jailing of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103.

The appeal is being led by pressure group Justice For Megrahi, who believe the Libyan was the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Cardinal O'Brien said: "I do not claim to have examined all the evidence in this case, but I do claim to be increasingly concerned about the reputation of the Scottish justice system.

"Global accusations of wrongful conviction against our system must be dealt with. Left unheeded, they will weaken the administration of justice in Scotland by casting doubts on its probity and ability."