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Biteback to publish account of the Lockerbie bombing
Biteback Publishing is to publish the "definitive story" of the Lockerbie Bombing by former Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Iain Dale, m.d. of Biteback, acquired world rights to The Lockerbie Bombing from Caroline Michel at Peters Fraser and Dunlop.
On 21st December 1988, Pan Am flight 103 departed London Heathrow for New York’s JFK Airport. Shortly after take-off a bomb was detonated, killing all aboard and devastating the small Scottish town of Lockerbie below. Only one man, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, has ever been convicted of the crime, though "no-one believes it was the work of a lone agent", the publisher has said.
As Scottish Justice Secretary it was MacAskill who, in 2009, took the decision to release al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds. In the book, MacAskill (pictured) will detail the build-up to the attack, the international investigation that followed it, and the diplomatic intrigue that saw a Scottish court convened in the Netherlands. It explains the "controversial" release of Megrahi, the international dimensions of the case and the commercial and security interests involved. Finally, it will answer the questions of why and how the atrocity happened – and who did it.
MacAskill said: "A lot has been said and written about both Lockerbie and me. I was central to much of it. This is my chance to set out what happened, why and by whom. I’m delighted to be working with Biteback, who have shown a willingness to publish without fear or favour. This book challenges many of the powerful and I’m grateful for Biteback’s support."
Dale said: "Almost 30 years on, and still so many questions surround the events leading up to the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 and the investigations following it. As a central figure in the release from prison of the man held accountable for the bombing, MacAskill's account of the atrocity and its aftermath will cast new light on the affair, and I'm very pleased that Biteback will be publishing it. It is a book which will add a lot to what we already know."
The Lockerbie Bombing will be published in May 2016, supported by a major press campaign.
