Hashem Abedi: Brother Of Manchester Bomber Salman Abedi Jailed For At Least 55 Years

The 23-year-old was found guilty of 22 counts of murder in March – just days before trials were halted due to lockdown.
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Hashem Abedi has been jailed for life with a minimum of 55 years after being found guilty of 22 counts of murder. He helped his brother Salman carry out a terror attack on the Manchester Arena in May 2017.
Greater Manchester Police

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has been jailed for life with a minimum of 55 years for mass murder.

Handing down the sentence, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, said: “The defendant and his brother were equally culpable for the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion.

“The stark reality is, these were atrocious crimes. Large in scale, deadly in intent, appalling in their consequences.

“The despair and desolation of the bereaved families has been palpable.”

The Old Bailey heard that the Islamic State-inspired jihadi had helped his older brother, Salman, who blew himself up in the attack after an Ariana Grande concert on the night of May 22, 2017.

The defendant, who had travelled to Libya before the bombing, was extradited back to Britain to face trial.

The jury deliberated for five hours to find him guilty on March 17 – just days before trials were halted as the nation was plunged into lockdown.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Baker, said: “If the defendant, like his brother, had been 21 or over at the time of the offence, the appropriate starting point would have been a whole life order.

“Not only because of the combination of the significant degree of pre-meditation but also because the motivation for them was to advance the ideology of Islamism, a matter distinct to and abhorrent to the vast majority for those who follow the Islamic faith.”

Prime minister Boris Johnson said the sentencing was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of “tolerance, community and kindness” – all of which were shown in Manchester “in the face of unimaginable tragedy”. 

“The Manchester Arena attack was a horrifying and cowardly act of violence which targeted children and families,” he said. 

“Those who were taken from us will never be forgotten, nor will the spirit of the people of Manchester who came together to send a clear message to the entire world that terrorists will never prevail.

“My thoughts remain with the survivors, and with the friends and families of victims, who have shown remarkable courage and dignity.

 “I would also like to express my thanks to the police and all those who have worked tirelessly to deliver justice for the families.”