On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold its hearing on the circumstances surrounding the release of convicted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber Abdelbasset al-Megrahi from a Scottish prison more than one year ago. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) will chair the hearing, which will feature testimony from U.S. government officials with knowledge of the diplomatic and legal issues surrounding al-Megrahi’s release. It will also feature experts in medical and North African politics, who can provide insight into medical evidence and the Libyan government. Menendez is also spearheading an investigation into al-Megrahi’s release, which will be completed in the coming weeks.
Al-Megrahi was released on compassionate grounds by Scottish authorities in August 2009 because he was said to have less than three months to live due to prostate cancer. It is now 13 months later and Mr. al-Megrahi is still alive. BP representatives were invited to testify to help clarify the company’s involvement in al-Megrahi’s release, but so far have declined several invitations and failed to offer a useful witness.
