Recently, much controversy has been raised over the release of "Lockerbie bomber" Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi. He was convicted of murder and was to serve a life sentence. After serving approx. 8 years, he was released on compassionate grounds because he was diagnosed of prostate cancer and had a life expectancy of 3 months. This has raised much outrage in the United States and mixed reactions from the United Kingdom.
Releasing Megrahi has been seen as a merciful and just decision by many. After, he was given only 3 months to live. It was stated that though the conspirators of the bombings were unjust and cruel to others, it did not mean that they could be repaid with injustice. However, what does being merciful and just warrant? It may not justify releasing Megrahi, assuming that he waas the perpetrator of this crime. True, being just and merciful, even to those that have harmed others, is correct and important, but how far do we have to go to fufil these? Releasing Megrahi may have nothing to do with being merciful to him. Assuming that he was the perpetrator, he should be serving much more than a life sentence. Therefore, I think Megrahi shouldn't be released.
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