Tripoli (Libya), Mar. 1 (ANI): The family of the Lockerbie bomber is hopeful about him beating prostate cancer that saw him sent home from Scotland to Libya on compassionate grounds last year.

The Scotsman quoted Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi’s father, as saying that “positive thinking” coupled with good genes and alternative health treatments could account for his survival more than six months after he was released from Greenock jail.

The family still hoped for a medical “miracle” that could see Megrahi make a full recovery.

“A close relative was diagnosed with a similar disease and he was treated and recovered completely,” he was reported as saying. “We hope that Abdelbaset recovers his health as well,” he said.

Megrahi, 57, was sent home to Libya in August following a prognosis that estimated he had three months to live.

Officials at East Renfrewshire Council receive regular confidential medical reports and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said earlier this month he is briefed on developments. (ANI)