Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York said Scotland's release of Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi was a "sad and perplexing mistake" that will bring pain to the families of the 270 victims who died in the 1988 bombing of the Pan Am flight. He also said the move could encourage more terrorist action.
From a story on NBC New York:
"While as a follower of Jesus Christ I believe in mercy, I also believe that mercy must always be tempered with justice ," the Archbishop said in a statement. " Mercy can be demonstrated in ways other than by releasing a man responsible for so much pain, suffering, and death. Those who lost loved ones also deserve mercy and justice . Finally we must consider that the release of this man could encourage others to engage in similar acts of terrorism in the future which would be a tragic result."
Other religious leaders from New York also criticized the release. Bishop Mark Sisk of the Episcopal Diocese condemned the release and called it "horrific." Joseph Potasnik, head of the New York Board of Rabbis, said it is "almost as if you are killing the people again because now these families having gone through so much horror are reliving the tragedy ."
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