Whew. Finished reading the first Megrahi verdict. Very weak. Gauci’s testimony is the glue that holds it together, and Gauci turned out not to be a credible witness, as even the official who started the Lockerbie prosecutions later admitted (this is even not taking into account that depending on a single witness is problematic in itself, and especially so when this witness contradicts himself and does not fully recognize the accused).

What was interesting to me is that Megrahi’s defense did not simply try to punch holes in the Crown’s case, but also introduced another theory - that the bombing was the doing of Palestinian terrorist orgs “Palestinian Popular Struggle Front” and “Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine”, and specifically of Abo (Abu) Talb. Also interesting is that at one time, as recounted in the verdict, Gauci actually recognized Abu Talb as the man who bought the clothes from him. Although the judges pooh-poohed the defense’s evidence against PPSF, I think it is a viable alternative.