Manchester Arena bomb plotter refuses to appear in court

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Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bombmaker, has declined to leave his cell for a court appearance where he is accused of trying to murder three prison officers in an alleged terrorist incident. Abedi, 28, is currently serving a life sentence for his role in assisting his suicide bomber brother in the killing of 22 individuals during the tragedy in 2017. Originally scheduled to make his initial court appearance via video link from prison at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Abedi did not appear, leading to an adjournment of the hearing.

The attack, which took place at HMP Frankland in County Durham, left three prison officers – two men and a woman – requiring medical treatment, two of whom sustained stab wounds. Authorities have stated that they are approaching the case with a terrorist intent in mind. Abedi faces multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a knife. Despite this, Abedi has declined to exit his cell at HMP Belmarsh in London and has refused legal counsel.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring expressed his inability to proceed with the case in the absence of the defendant and postponed the hearing until 25 September. He assured the court that Abedi would be physically brought to attend the next session, even if that meant utilizing a prison videolink. In addition to the use of makeshift blades, Abedi is also accused of throwing scalding hot liquid at the officers during the altercation. The incident resulted in life-threatening injuries, including burns, scalds, and stab wounds, as reported by the Prison Officers Association.

Abedi’s involvement in aiding his sibling, Salman Abedi, with the Manchester terror attack, which claimed 22 lives and left numerous others injured after an Ariana Grande concert, led to his sentencing of life imprisonment with a minimum term of 55 years in August 2020

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