The White House released a statement this morning saying “the United States deeply regrets” the release of Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi, one of the Pam-Am 103 bombers. Megrahi was released early from a life sentence by Scottish authorities because he has terminal prostate cancer, over objections by American officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The United States deeply regrets the decision by the Scottish Executive to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi. Megrahi was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which blew up over Scotland on December 21, 1988. As we have expressed repeatedly to officials of the government of the United Kingdom and to Scottish authorities, we continue to believe that Megrahi should serve out his sentence in Scotland. On this day, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. We recognize the effects of such a loss weigh upon a family forever.
