Manchester Arena bomber’s brother faces trial accused of 22 murders

Hashem Abedi

The younger brother of the Manchester Arena bomber is due to go on trial this week accused of mass murder.

Hashem Abedi, now 22, was allegedly involved in planning the suicide attack on May 22, 2017.

His brother Salman Abedi, 22, detonated an explosive vest as music fans left an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people inlcuding Alison Howe and Lisa Lees from Royton, and injuring 260 more.

Before the attack, the defendant, who was raised in Manchester, left Britain and travelled to Libya.

He was arrested in Tripoli and extradited to the UK in July last year to face 22 charges of murder, one count for each victim.

Hashem Abedi also faces a single count of attempted murder representing all the other victims, and conspiring with his brother to cause explosions.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is due to appear at the Old Bailey for the start of his trial on Monday.

The case, being heard by Mr Justice Baker, is expected to be opened by prosecutor Duncan Penny QC later in the week.

Loved ones of the victims will be able to hear the evidence in Court Two of London’s Central Criminal Court or by special video links.

The case is expected to go on for up to eight weeks, ahead of an inquiry to be held in Manchester.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.