THE UK government warned Libya not to celebrate the return of the Lockerbie bomber today, the first anniversary of his release from a Scottish jail.
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi was freed from Greenock prison on compassionate grounds on August 20 last year following his diagnosis with terminal prostate cancer.
The bomber returned to jubilant scenes in Libya where he remains alive, despite being given three months to live.
The UK Government said the decision by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to release the only man convicted of the 1988 Pan Am jet bombing was a mistake.
And the Foreign Office warned today that any celebration of his freedom would be “tasteless, offensive and deeply insensitive”.
A spokeswoman said: “The Government is clear that Megrahi’s release was a mistake.
“Both the current Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary made this clear at the time.
“Particularly on this anniversary, we understand the continuing anguish that Megrahi’s release has caused his victims, both in the UK and the US.
“Any celebration of Megrahi’s release will be tasteless, offensive and deeply insensitive to the victims’ families.
“We have made our concerns clear to the Libyan government.”
The Scottish Government continues to defend the decision to free Megrahi as opponents demand the publication of more medical evidence.
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “It was a decision I didn’t choose to make, it was a decision I had to make.
“It was my responsibility and accordingly I followed the rules and laws of Scotland.
“I acted appropriately and I stand by the decision.”