A UK Court has sentenced Hashem Abedi who assisted Salman Abedi who carried out a suicide bombing at Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester. He was sentenced to at least 55 years of prison time.
Background
On the 22nd of May 2017, the world was rocked when over 14,000 people were thrown under the threat of an improvised explosive device. Salman Abedi detonated an improvised explosive that caused the death of 22 humans and injured hundreds. This whole tragedy was orchestrated by Salman’s brother Hashem, both of whom were born and raised in the UK. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the sentencing was an opportunity to reflect on tolerance and kindness. The Manchester tragedy was an unimaginable one and the victims deserve the justice that the court delivered.
Court’s Findings
The defendant was in the background of the crime while his brother was the suicide bomber. The court through many pieces of evidence found the defendant to be an integral part of the crime. The defendant had essential knowledge of electrical circuitry which was an integral part of the production of the improvised explosive device. Salman Abedi also remained in regular electronic contact with Libya, including a four-minute phone conversation during his final journey to the Manchester arena. Many such findings led the jury to give the decision as guilty.
Court’s Opinion
The defendant was held guilty for 22 counts of murder, attempted murder, and plotting to cause an explosion. Hashem was held guilty of encouraging his brother Salman to become a suicide bomber. The judgment was given by Justice Jeremy Barker. The court said that the defendant’s role in the event is integral and not negligible.
Judgment
The defendant was found guilty of 22 counts of murder, there is only one sentence which can be imposed upon him for these offences and that is a sentence of imprisonment for life which is the sentence the court imposed upon him. The court had to determine the appropriate length of the minimum term which he will have to serve before the Parole Board considers parole. The court held the defendant should be confined for a minimum period of 55 years per section 269, 270, and Schedule 21 to the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
Libertatem.in is now on Telegram. Follow us for regular legal updates and judgment from courts. Follow us on Google News, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter. You can subscribe to our Weekly Email Updates. You can also contribute stories like this and help us spread awareness for a better society. Submit Your Post Now.
