Security concerns if Megrahi bailed

The Sunday Express has a story by Ben Borland about concerns over Abdelbaset Megrahi's safety and security if he is released as a result of Thursday's interim liberation application. The article reads in part:

'A massive security operation will be launched to protect the Lockerbie bomber from revenge attacks if he is released from prison this week.

'Experts believe Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi is at risk of assault or even being murdered by campaigners angered by any decision to free him. (...)

'It is understood that extensive contingency plans are being drawn up involving Strathclyde Police, the Scottish Prison Service and other authorities. (...)

'Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora died in the attack, said he hoped to be at the High Court on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to witness the decision.

'He said: “At a recent meeting of the UK families group the overwhelming opinion was that this man should not be tortured by being kept in prison for his last days, even though many are not sure whether he is guilty or not.

'“Some people on the Internet make comments saying keep him in prison or withdraw his drugs and I find that shocking. I thought the concept of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ went out long ago.”

'He added: “When his family was living in Scotland they had to be moved to a house with enhanced security and CCTV cameras because some people were throwing stones.

'“That was just his family. If he is released from prison I think he would need protection, which in turn will convey to those still grieving that he is being punished, that he is still under guard.

'“I do have concerns for his safety after what happened to his family. We have a duty to protect him.”

'Professor Robert Black, the former University of Edinburgh legal expert who helped set up Megrahi’s trial, said: “The court will have to be satisfied about where he is going and the safety arrangements, both from the point of view of him not absconding and his personal safety because there are nutcases in the world that would like to kill him.”'

The full text can be read here.