Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today released the following statement on the Scottish government's reported decision to release from prison Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, who was convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland:
"A convicted terrorist who helped to murder 270 innocent people deserves neither leniency nor compassion. His heinous actions devastated hundreds of families and still haunt those who knew and loved the innocent victims. In the name of justice, this convicted terrorist should never be permitted to taste freedom. His reported impending release is tremendously disappointing."

Menendez has helped lead efforts to bring measures of justice and compensation to the families of the victims. Earlier this week, he joined with six colleagues in a letter urging the Scottish government not to release Al-Megrahi.
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