By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
WASHINGTON — FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III responded to Scotland’s release on Thursday of the Libyan convicted in the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am flight 103, saying he was “deeply disappointed” and figured the man had served less than 14 days in jail per victim.
“We are deeply disappointed over the decision to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi from prison,” Mueller said in a prepared statement. “Mr. Megrahi’s guilt was firmly established by the court. His conviction resulted in a life sentence for his part in the loss of 270 innocent lives, including 189 Americans.”
“He never admitted to his role in this act of terrorism, nor did he or the government of Libya disclose the names or roles of others who were responsible,” Mueller said. “In a case of mass murder over Lockerbie, Mr. Megrahi served less than 14 days per victim. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those victims today, for the ongoing pain and loss caused by this horrific attack.”
Scottish authorities released the terminally ill Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, a former Libyan intelligence agent, on compassionate grounds, according to media reports. He was convicted in 2001 in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 that exploded over the town of Lockerbie in December 1988.
