Release of al -Megrahi, right or wrong?

Much has been said over the release of al-Megrahi with widespread disagreement with Kenny MacAskill’s decision to release him. When asked if I agreed with the release I find myself unable to give a straight yes/no because I think there are three separate parts to this story.

The first is the principle of “compassionate release”. Should that exist as part of a legal system? I would say yes and even people convicted of the most horrendous crimes should be put forward for consideration under the scheme. Not because of any supposed right’s prisoners have but because of what is says about us, about our values. Our judicial system is not based on vengeance but on justice. The idea that you should lock someone away forever with no chance of release is barbaric. There will clearly be people who will never be released due to the danger they pose to others but they should have the opportunity for redemption. If they don’t take that opportunity, they stay behind bars.

The second is the release of al-Megrahi himself. Right or wrong? I have not seen the file of evidence on which Kenny MacAskill made his decision so although my gut-reaction is “keep him locked up” unless I see the evidence for myself I have to support Kenny MacAskill. There must have been strong arguments both for and against but the choice to send a dying man home has to be respected for the principle and political courage it involved.

The last part is the reaction in Libya. Did anyone expect anything different from Gaddafi? If so they are fools. He was always going to play it up like this because he knows the offense it will cause and the fact that there is nothing our Government will (can?) do about it. It serves as a reminder of the true (and ugly) face of Gaddafi’s regime but should not be allowed to affect the (higher) standards we set for ourselves.

Compassion is not the same as weakness - vengeance is not the same as strength.