The Rt Honourable Alex Salmond MSP
The First Minister of Scotland
Hand delivered
Dear Alex
Abdelbaset Mohmed Al Megrahi
Recently I hosted a meeting comprising a number of individuals who have a direct
link to the Lockerbie/Pan Am 103 case. The forum discussed some of the options
that may already be under consideration by Justice Department officials and the
Cabinet Secretary for Justice with regard to Mr Al Megrahi and I undertook to relay to
you the views and concerns of this informal forum. The meeting and the contents of
this letter nave not been made public .
The discussion examined various options and as I understand it these are: Interim
liberation and bail (although we appreciate these are not a matter for Scottish
Ministers but for the Court), Prisoner Transfer and Compassionate Release, both of
course being matters for Ministers and the latter based solely on Mr Al Megrahi's
declining health as a consequence of his terminal cancer.
It was the view of the three doctors who attended the meeting that any determination
of Mr Al Megrahi's terminal illness and his likely longevity was a difficult judgement to
make given the type of cancer he has and related medical conditions that may
emerge as the cancer progresses and/or as a result of the medical treatment he
receives. This is a highly unpredictable area. They as one agreed that an
independent expert oncology report would corroborate that collective opinion.
Further his state of mental health might eventually render him incapable of making a
rational decision either related to his treatment, his ongoing appeal or to the PTA.
I was therefore asked to write for confirmation that Scottish ministers are obtaining or
have obtained expert reports from a consultant oncologist, and psychiatric reports
to aid in forming a view on the current state of Mr Al Megrahi's mental and physical.
well-being together with projected life expectancy.
It would be most helpful if you could advise as soon as practicable.
Yours for Scotland
Christine Grahame MSP
Present at the Meeting
Christine Grahame MSP
OTHER ATTENDEES REDACTED
Christine Grahame MSP The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH99 1SP | |
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June 2009
Dear Christine
Mr Abdelbasit Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi
Thank you for your letter of 28 May 2009 about Mr Megrahi.
You asked for confirmation that we receive relevant expert reports on Mr Megrahi's health.
As you will know, Scottish Ministers are under a legal obligation to respect the privacy of any individual held in a Scottish prison and cannot comment on specific cases.
However, I can assure you that Mr Megrahi is receiving the highest standard of care. This Government takes very seriously its duty of care to all of those held within Scottish prisons. Mr Megrahi's situation is kept under close review and the prison authorities respond appropriately to any change in his condition. Mr Megrahi's family doctor met Scottish Government officials on 5 May 2009 and I understand that he is fully satisfied with the care that Mr Megrahi is receiving.
Alex Salmond