Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lockerbie Bomber Arrives in Libya



Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi Flies Home to Hero’s Welcome

TIMES ONLINE: The Lockerbie bomber flew out of Britain yesterday as a dying man deserving of compassion — and landed in Libya a national hero.

A crowd of thousands, many waving Scottish flags, gathered at Tripoli airport to welcome Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi as he stepped down from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s private jet to the strains of patriotic music.

He had changed from a white tracksuit and baseball cap into a dark suit and tie during the flight and was leaning on a gold-rimmed walking stick as he emerged from the aircraft to be hugged by Colonel Gaddafi’s son.

He was then taken in a motorcade to the city centre, where the main square was lit up in green and blue in preparation for a celebration that included a feast and laser show. The pan-Arab television channel Al-Jazeera reported that al-Megrahi’s car was held up along the way by the throng.

In the city centre groups of young men, many in white baseball caps like the one al-Megrahi was wearing when he left Glasgow, dashed excitedly from one side of the square to the other trying to catch a glimpse of the bomber. >>> Tim Reid, Philip Webster and Charlene Sweeny | Friday, August 21, 2009

Hero's Welcome for Lockerbie Bomber Who Slaughtered 270 as Shabby Political Deal Provokes U.S. Outrage

MAIL ONLINE: This was the moment the Libyan convicted of the Lockerbie bombing flew home to a hero's welcome.

As thousands cheered, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi was escorted down the steps of his plane by Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Earlier this month, Saif Gaddafi met Lord Mandelson in Corfu, raising suspicions that a deal was being made to free 57-year-old Megrahi. >>> David Williams and Ian Drury | Friday 21, 2009