[Combwork]

There are several reasons why he should have been released. First off was lack of proof that he did it. The only witness to him possibly buying something that was likely part of the bomb initially said it wasn't him, then after further questioning changed his story and said it was. Both the U.K. and U.S. authorities were under intense pressure to find someone, anyone, who could be linked to the bombing and this guy fitted the picture. Remember, when this happened the U.S. was at the same stage with Libiya as it is now with North Koria; I wonder why the 'witness' changed his story. Plus, would this proof (or lack of it) have brought the guy to trial in either the U.K. or the U.S. for any other case, let alone secured a guilty verdict?

You want more? There was a break-in at the Pan-Am luggage depot some 12 hours before the flight took off; this was kept real quiet about and was only made public 12 years later. OK, break-ins were not that uncommon at Heath Row; that's why it's nicknamed Thief Row but it's a hell of a coincidence. Despite possibly one of the most thorough searches of all time no evidence was found, no traces of explosives on himself, his clothes or anywhere else.

Non of the above proves his inocence, but it sure as hell doesn't prove his guilt and in both the U.K. and the U.S. if the prosecution cannot prove guilt, the accused walks free.

Final nail in the coffin of this whole badly handled mess was the U.S. government publicly telling the U.K. government what to do. After that, how the hell could we have done anything other than let the man go without making it look like we're ruled from Washington, not Westminster? Maybe we are, but for fucks sake don't shout it from the rooftops.