'We are still encouraging the Scottish authorities not to do so and hope they will not.'

Al-Megrahi was convicted in 2001 for his role in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, and received life imprisonment.

Scottish authorities have refused to confirm any plans to free al-Megrahi, saying only that a decision has been made and will be announced Thursday. His lawyers announced Tuesday that he has dropped his appeal in the case in a sign that they were expecting him to be released.