New calls for release of Lockerbie bomber's medical records

Fresh calls were made for the release of the Lockerbie bomber's medical records after reports that he could be dead within a month.

The Tories made the demand after a specialist claimed the Libyan's cancer had spread.

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, 58, is no longer being treated for the disease and is bed-bound at home, according to British cancer expert Karol Sikora.

The convicted terrorist was said to have less than three months to live when he was freed from prison and allowed to return to Libya on compassionate grounds last August.

Prof. Sikora, who compiled a report on Mr Megrahi's condition for the Libyan government before he was freed, dismissed claims that his condition may have been exaggerated.

The doctor said the cancer had spread from his prostate to his kidneys, liver, pelvis and lymph nodes.

Prof. Sikora said Megrahi's life may have been extended by the "psychological boost" he received from being surrounded by his family.

The specialist told the Sunday Times: "I say he will be dead within four weeks.

"My understanding is that he's bed-bound, at home, not going to the hospital, receiving palliative care and no active treatment at all. Mr Megrahi's hospital treatment was reportedly stopped because he was no longer responding to chemotherapy."

Both Labour and Tory opposition in Scotland have demanded that full details of why he was released are published.

And Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken today said Prof. Sikora's comments were "all the more reason for releasing the medical reports" relating to the bomber's condition.

The Conservative MSP said that when Mr Megrahi was released, the prognosis was that he had just three months to live.

But Mr Aitken pointed out: "He`s lived for the best part of nine months now and we want to see the medical reports."