MORE details have been revealed of how the Scottish Government asked well-known figures such as Nelson Mandela to endorse the release of the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing.
Emails, released under freedom of information legislation, show that one of First Minister Alex Salmond's advisers emailed the former South African leader, as well as Bishop Desmond Tutu and former Irish president Mary Robinson requesting them to consider making a public statement.
US businessman Donald Trump has already revealed that he was asked, but refused, to put his name to a prepared statement.
The Government's requests came shortly after the controversial decision to grant compassionate release to Abdelbaset al-Megrahi in August 2009.
Megrahi, who had cancer, died in May this year. He was sentenced to life in prison for the bombing of a US airliner over the Scottish town in 1988, claiming 270 lives.
A template email was sent to the offices of Mr Mandela and Archbishop Tutu, with references to their involvement or interest in the case.
The email sent on August 26, 2009, to the Nelson Mandela Foundation stated: "Given his ongoing close involvement in Mr Megrahi's case, it would be very helpful if Mr Mandela was able to issue a public statement outlining his views on the decision of the Scottish Justice Secretary to release Mr Megrahi on compassionate grounds. Please let me know if this is something which you would be able to arrange. My colleagues and I would be happy to discuss this if you require any further information."
Mr Mandela played a role in the handover of Megrahi to face trial in a special Scottish court in the Netherlands.
The response said Mr Mandela did not want to be involved in public issues any more but that he "sincerely appreciates" the decision to release Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
The decision was "in line with his wishes", according to the email.
Archbishop Tutu's office was approached with a similar email which noted his "long-standing humanitarian concerns", and in response issued a statement in which he said there was "nothing wrong" with the decision to free Megrahi.
Mrs Robinson, Irish president between 1990 and 1997, was approached through the human rights organisation she founded. Her office declined the invitation.
The Trump Organisation said in October an approach was made asking for the decision to be endorsed.
At the time, a spokesman for the organisation said: "As Americans and New Yorkers who have unfortunately suffered and seen terrorism first-hand, it was ludicrous. The answer was no."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government was perfectly entitled to seek support at home and abroad for this decision."
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