RUMANA WANTS ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION CONDEMNING EARLY RELEASE OF LOCKERBIE BOMBER

Assemblyman Scott Rumana today asked for a Resolution to be drafted and stated that he hopes it will be introduced to the  General Assembly condemning the early release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi when it convenes in the fall.

“The General Assembly should begin the process of drafting a resolution now to condemn the early release of the terrorist Abdel Baset al-Megrahi who intentionally murdered 270 people aboard Pan Am Flight 103,” said Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex. “It’s despicable that a cold-blooded murderer was allowed to go free while the families and friends of those who perished will continue to live with the agony of having their loved ones gone forever.

“This convicted bomber served only eight years of a life sentence which amounts to a little over a week in prison time served for each victim. He never apologized to the families of those he murdered and most, telling, he has never renounced terrorism. Instead, he was given a hero’s welcome in Libya where he was greeted by cheering crowds, including Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi.

“Abdel Baset al-Megrahi’s release and the celebration that followed when he stepped off the plane in Libya are despicable acts and an affront to the victim’s families and to all peaceful, freedom-loving people here in the U.S. and around the world. As New Jersey’s representatives, we must make it known to terrorist countries like Libya that we vehemently condemn the early release of al-Megrahi and we find the ensuing celebrations extremely distasteful and disrespectful.”

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