Prostate cancer suffering Lockerbie bomber may be freed next week

London, Aug.13 (ANI): The Libyan convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, which killed 270 people when PanAm flight 103 was blown up over the Scottish town in 1988, is expected to be released from prison on compassionate grounds next week.

Abdelbasset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, who is suffering from prostate cancer, is just eight years into a life sentence - with an original minimum term of 27 years - for his part in the attack, reports The Independent.

Last night, reports suggested that he could be released on grounds of compassion as early as next week.he news comes in the aftermath of two formal requests by the Libyan government for his early release.

Last week Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, met Megrahi in Greenock prison and said he had been shown "compelling" new medical evidence that suggested the Libyan's prostate cancer had significantly worsened over the past few weeks and that he was in the final stages of life.

Another prisoner transfer request was made by Libya to the UK last May, less than a week after a treaty allowing prisoners to be transferred between the two countries was ratified.

In considering his decision it is understood that that the Scottish minister has consulted the views of others, including relatives of some of the 270 victims.

News of Megrahi's release is unlikely to be greeted with compassion by all victims relatives, particularly in the US, where it is still considered one of the most deadly attacks on America since 11 September 2001. (ANI)