Family of Lockerbie bomber refuse to discuss his health
September 20th, 2010 - 4:32 pm ICT by IANSCairo, Sep 20 (DPA) The family of freed Libyan Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset al-Megrahi have refused to comment on his health, saying that only the state can answer questions about the cancer-stricken man, a regional daily reported Monday.
“Journalists should address their questions to the state, and officially ask to visit him if they want,” al-Megrahi’s cousin told the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
Al-Megrahi’s brother also took the same position, saying “we have no right to say anything to the media”.
Their comments came after Jim Swire, the father of one victim of the Lockerbie bombing, held a one-hour meeting last week with al-Megrahi.
The Libyan has kept a very low profile since being freed in August 2009, amid media speculation about his health and whereabouts. Al-Megrahi suffers from prostate cancer and was released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds, as doctors at the time believed that he had only three months to live.
Swire, a Scottish doctor, said that al-Megrahi “remains a sick man” but was in better shape than expected, according to media reports. Swire’s daughter Flora was on the Pan Am plane when it was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988.
- Secretary Clinton expresses regret one year after Lockerbie release - Aug 21, 2010
- Britain told US not to intervene in Lockerbie bomber release: Wikileaks - Apr 11, 2011
- Scottish minister stands by decision to free Lockerbie bomber - Aug 19, 2010
- Lockerbie bomber's cancer at very advanced stage, says Gaddafi's son - May 26, 2010
- Colonel Gaddafi personally ordered Lockerbie bombing: Ex- Justice Minister - Feb 24, 2011
- Lockerbie bomber's release report draws mixed response - Aug 13, 2009
- Drugs were to be given to Lockerbie bomber to extend life by 19 monthsDrugs were to be given to Lock - Jan 26, 2011
- 'Freedom' behind Lockerbie bomber being in better shape than expected - Sep 21, 2010
- 'UK pressurised Scotland to release Lockerbie bomber over oil deal between BP-Libya' - Dec 22, 2010
- My opinion misinterpreted: Lockerbie bomber's doctor - Aug 15, 2010
- Lockerbie bomber's health 'deteriorating' - Dec 20, 2009
- Doubts raised after Lockerbie bomber blocks release of medical reports - Mar 29, 2010
- Lockerbie bomber hospitalised in Tripoli: Report - Sep 01, 2009
- Lockerbie bomber is alive - nine months after being freed - May 20, 2010
- Lockerbie bomber 'manipulated' illness for his release - Aug 21, 2010
Tags: asharq al awsat, asharq al awsat newspaper, basset, cairo, compassionate grounds, cousin, flora, jim swire, journalists, libyan, lockerbie bombing, lockerbie scotland, low profile, media speculation, pan am, prostate cancer, scottish doctor, sick man, stricken man, three months