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Bomber's release gets Mandela's backing
Nelson Mandela has given his backing to the controversial decision to free the Lockerbie bomber.
Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has been under intense pressure following the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
Yesterday, a Scottish Government spokesman confirmed it had received a letter from the former South African president expressing his support for the move.
In June 2002 Mandela visited Megrahi in Glasgow's Barlinnie Prison.
In the letter to the Scottish Government, Professor Jake Gerwel, the chairman of the Mandela Foundation, said: "Mr. Mandela sincerely appreciates the decision to release Mr. al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds."
It added: "Mr Mandela played a central role in facilitating the handover of Mr al-Megrahi and his fellow accused to the United Nations in order for them to stand trial under Scottish law in the Netherlands.