The release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi

By Julian Ware-Lane

The release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi is a political decision. Although the stated grounds were those of compassion, I cannot think of another mass murderer released for similar reasons, indeed for any reason.

Compassion is a laudable virtue, and one that I champion. However, compassion can be exercised in a number of ways. Releasing someone who killed 270 people is a brave decision, but is it the right decision?

I well remember Lord Longford’s campaign to release Myra Hindley. Ms Hindley murdered five children in a truly horrific way, but she did show contrition. That campaign failed. Earlier this month Ronnie Biggs was released on compassionate grounds. Although he murdered no-one, he had a hand in the death of one person.

Mr al-Megrahi served ten years of his life sentence. There are some who claim there are doubts over his conviction – I am not qualified to comment on this – but he did drop his appeal recently. The onset of a terminal disease should not be a reason to bypass the legal system.

This release sets an interesting precedent. I am opposed to capital punishment, believing that the loss of liberty is sufficient. I also believe in rehabilitation. However, ten years for 270 lives does feel cheap.

Life should not mean life, but neither should we be in indecent haste to empty our prisons of mass murderers. Will Ian Brady, Rosemary West or Peter Sutcliffe be appealing for compassion?

The decision feels wrong, and there is a political dimension to this. It will be interesting to see what sort of welcome Mr al-Megrahi gets in Tripoli, and also whether any business deals are done (coincidentally of course).

I confess to a measure of mixed emotions about this. If the Scots are truly able to forgive then they should be applauded. But showing compassion can be done in a number of ways, and maybe releasing Mr al-Megrahi was not the best.