Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bombmaker jailed for helping his brother murder 22 people in 2017, has refused to appear in court to face fresh charges of attempting to kill three prison officers.
Refused to Leave Cell
Abedi, 28, was due to attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Belmarsh in London on Thursday but declined to leave his cell. The court also heard he has refused legal representation.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told the hearing: “I have no power to deal with him in his absence,” adjourning the case until 25 September. He added that Abedi would be “physically produced” for the next appearance, or required to attend by prison video link.
Alleged Terror Attack in Prison
Abedi is accused of launching an attack on prison staff at HMP Frankland in County Durham earlier this year. Prosecutors said the incident was being treated as terrorism-related.
Three officers – two men and one woman – were hospitalised, two with stab wounds, after what the Prison Officers Association described as an “unprovoked” and “vicious” assault. Injuries included burns, scalds and knife wounds.
Abedi faces three counts of attempted murder, one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a knife. He is also accused of throwing boiling liquid at staff during the attack.
Convicted Terrorist
In 2020, Abedi was jailed for life with a minimum term of 55 years for helping his brother Salman plan and carry out the bombing at Manchester Arena, which targeted fans leaving an Ariana Grande concert. The attack killed 22 people and injured hundreds more, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks in the UK in recent decades.
Abedi’s refusal to engage with proceedings adds to the difficulties facing prison and court authorities. His next hearing is expected to set out how the case will move forward.
