Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 May 2002. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 May 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, What assessment he has made of the report commissioned by the UN Secretary General, on the appeal proceedings at the Scottish Court in the Netherlands (Lockerbie Court) in the case of Abdelbaset Ali Mohammed Al Mequahi v. HM Advocate by Professor Hans Koechler, on the basis of Security Council Resolution 1192/1998. (Failed OPQ) .

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report commissioned by the UN Secretary General on the appeal proceedings at the Scottish Court in the Netherlands (Lockerbie Court) in the case of Abdelbaset Ali Mohammed al-Megrahi v. HM Advocate by Professor Hans Koechler, on the basis of Security Council resolution 1192/1998. [54407] Mr. Bradshaw: The UN Secretary-General did not commission the report from Professor Koechler. Professor Koechler's report was written on behalf of the International Progress Organisation. His assertion that the Lockerbie appeal verdict was "not a victory for justice" impugns the Scottish legal system which gave al-Megrahi a trial that met the highest standards of fairness. The Lockerbie trial demonstrated the crucial role of the criminal justice system in responding to terrorism.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 385 c547W; 54407
Session: 2001-02
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Criminal proceedings Appeals Bombings Terrorism United Nations Trials Scottish Parliament Lockerbie Netherlands International Progress Organization
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk