Libyans send Arena bomber’s brother to face murder charges
THE Manchester Arena suicide bomber’s brother has been extradited from Libya to Britain, offering some hope of justice for the bereaved families.
Hashem Abedi, 22, was arrested in the North African country in May 2017, the day after his older brother Salman detonated a device at an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people.
Last year, Greater Manchester Police applied to extradite Abedi on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion. However, the process was delayed due to the civil conflict in Libya.
Sadek al-sour, Libya’s prosecutor, said the decision to finally extradite Abedi was made after he had a chance to argue his case in the court of appeal.
British police had travelled to Tripoli on board a UK government jet in order to meet Abedi and accompany him back, with the flight landing at a London airport yesterday afternoon.
Nobody has yet been charged over the Arena bombing, despite 23 people being arrested.
Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, yesterday confirmed that the arrest had taken place and said that Abedi is expected to be questioned by counter-terrorism specialists and is likely to appear before Westminster magistrates’ court in the coming days.
Mr Hopkins added: “Since the [attack], our thoughts have been with the families of those who lost loved ones and the hundreds who are struggling with serious physical injuries and deep psychological effects.
“They have always been central to our investigation and will continue to be so at all times.”
Welcoming news of the extradition, Theresa May said: “This is clearly an important moment in the investigation. I hope it is a welcome step for the loved ones of all the victims.”
Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, added: “My thoughts remain with the victims and their families who have endured so much.
“Wherever they are, whoever they are, I will always do all I can to bring suspected terrorists to justice.”
The Abedi brothers’ parents, Samia Tabbal and Ramadan Abedi, were both born in Libya but moved to London in the Nineties. They eventually settled in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester where there is a thriving Libyan community.