Hashem Abedi Jailed for Minimum 55 Years Over Manchester Arena Bombing
Hashem Abedi, once from Fallowfield, was sentenced today at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), London, to a minimum of 55 years behind bars. This follows his conviction on 22 counts including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to cause a deadly explosion after a high-profile six-week trial concluded in March 2020.
Brotherly Bomb Plot Exposed
Hashem worked closely with his brother Salman Abedi in the months leading up to the Manchester Arena bombing. The pair built the bomb that Salman detonated as concertgoers fled the venue, killing 22 and injuring nearly 1,000. Hashem coaxed friends into buying chemicals for explosives, sourced metal drums for bomb prototypes, and purchased a Nissan Micra used to stash bomb parts while the brothers were in Libya.
He also drove Salman between locations in Manchester — Lindum Street, Rusholme, and Somerton Court, Blackley — where they assembled explosives. After prepping materials, they flew to Libya on 15 April 2017 to visit family. Upon return, Salman finalized the bomb in a flat at Granby House before detonating it on 22 May 2017.
Justice at Last After Years of Trauma
Hashem was arrested in Libya the day after the attack and extradited back to the UK on 17 July 2019. Chief Constable Ian Hopkins reflected on the sentence:
“Today marks the end of a three-year quest for justice after one of the worst terrorist attacks this country has seen and one of the darkest days in our city’s history.”
He added,
“No sentence can ever heal the pain of those who lost loved ones or those seriously injured, but hopefully it offers some comfort that Abedi will spend most of his life behind bars — where he belongs.”
Hopkins praised Manchester’s resilience:
“The hatred Abedi tried to spread was met with unity — the courage of victims’ families, the bravery of survivors, and the kindness of Greater Manchester.”
Politicians Pay Tribute, Warn of Lingering Trauma
Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes also expressed sympathy, praising police efforts and the toughness of the trial, despite Hashem’s absence during sentencing:
“While it’s disappointing Hashem Abedi couldn’t receive a full life sentence due to his age, the judge imposed the toughest penalty possible. He showed no remorse and forced victims’ families through a painful ordeal.”
She urged anyone affected to seek support through the Manchester Resilience Hub at 0333 009 5071 or GMVictims.org.uk.
