CALLS for an independent public inquiry into the Lockerbie bombing gained momentum yesterday following the backing of a number of high profile MSPs.
The Herald revealed yesterday that former MP and father of the House, Tam Dalyell believes there should be an inquiry into the atrocity to address the otherwise "indelible stain" on the country's justice system.
Following Sunday's death from cancer of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the Libyan convicted of blowing up Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, a list of 42 signatories including Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu called for an inquiry.
MSPs have also added their voices to the debate.
Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, said: "Scotland's reputation for justice is at stake. The best way to establish the truth is to hold a public inquiry."
Leader of the Scottish LibDems Willie Rennie MSP said: "If the Megrahi family do not wish to take up an appeal, the Scottish Government should commit to an independent inquiry.
"The families deserve fair and comprehensive answers to this long running sore."
Independent MSP Margo MacDonald also called for an independent inquiry and said Scotland should take the lead.
She said: "It was our justice system that took the lead on this and convicted him so it should be Scotland that holds the inquiry. I don't understand why the Scottish Government don't want to do it."
The Scottish Government has so far rejected calls for a public inquiry.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The issues now being raised relate to the conviction itself and that must be a matter for a court of law."
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