Manchester bomber’s brother faces trial for helping launch attack
Calls to try him here after charges in Libya
THE brother of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi is being put on trial in Libya, which has sparked anger in the UK.
Hashem Abedi, a UK citizen, was arrested in the North African country in the wake of the blast in May.
But political leaders here insist anyone suspected of involvement in the atrocity must face a British court.
Hashem, 20, is accused of knowing in advance of his brother Salman’s deadly plot at the Manchester Arena.
It is claimed he was planning his own attacks in Libya, including targeting Peter Millett, the British Ambassador in Tripoli.
He is also suspected of plotting to kill Libyan PM Fayez Al-Sarraj and former UN envoy Martin Kobler.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called on Theresa May to put pressure on Libya to bring Abedi back to Britain for trial.
He said: “Any trial conducted thousands of miles from Manchester would in no way represent justice for all those who have been affected.”
Salman Abedi, 22, killed 22 people and injured many more when he detonated a home-made device as crowds left an Ariana Grande concert.
His cousin Mohamed Younis Abedi, in his 20s, is also in custody in Libya. His credit card was allegedly used to buy components for the bomb.
Uber driver Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, 26, of Luton, Beds, appeared at Westminster magistrates court charged with attacking police outside Buckingham Palace with a 4ft sword. He was remanded in custody.
A man carrying a large knife and “acting suspiciously” by Westminster Cathedral yesterday was arrested by police. They said inquiries continue. paul.byrne@mirror.co.uk