BP suspected of having a role in securing the release of the Lockerbie bomber

Senate Probes Any BP Ties to Lockerbie Case Release

By PAUL SONNE

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on Scotland's decision last year to release convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, the latest example of how the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has dredged up old problems for oil giant BP PLC.

The widespread anger toward BP has rekindled year-old allegations that it might have helped secure the release of the bomber, who comes from Libya, a country where BP has oil interests. Scotland, which released Mr. al-Megrahi, and BP both deny that allegation.