Hasheem Abedi’s extradition delayed

On 15 November 2018, we reported that Hasheem Abedi, brother of suspected Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, was due to be extradited from Libya to the UK by the end of the year. Hasheem was arrested in Libya shortly after his older brother’s attack on 22 May 2017. Greater Manchester Police and counter-terrorism officers were granted a warrant for Hasheem’s arrest on the grounds that they believe they have enough evidence to charge him with murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion, in relation to the Manchester Arena bombing.

Now, UK counter-terrorism detectives have expressed their disappointment at news from Libya that Hasheem’s extradition will be delayed. A senior counter-terrorism police source involved in the case, told the press that Hasheem’s extradition “may take many more months” and that British counter-terrorism officers “were hoodwinked by the false promises made by the Libyan authorities last year.” The delay in Hasheem’s extradition has already impacted the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing. Last year, Coroner Sir John Saunders had to adjourn the public inquiry into the bombing to await the conclusion of any criminal investigation and trial of suspects.

You can read more of our coverage on this case here.