THE younger brother of Manchester Arena bomber appeared in court on Thursday (18) charged with murdering the 22 victims of the attack.
Hashem Abedi was arrested in Libya shortly after his older brother, Salman, killed 22 people, and injured more than 500 in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena during Ariana Grande's concert.
The 22-year-old was extradited from Libya on Wednesday and formally arrested by British offers upon his arrival in the UK.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and was charged with murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.
The Manchester-born youth is due to next appear at Oxford Crown Court on July 22 for a bail hearing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place at the Old Bailey on July 30.
Home secretary Sajid Javid called Hashem's extradition “an important step forward in the investigation into the Manchester Arena attack”.
“It’s important we now let the law take its full course,” he added.
“My thoughts remain with the victims and their families who have endured so much. I would also like to pay tribute to the continued efforts of the dedicated police officers and all others who have worked tirelessly on this case.”
Relatives of those killed and attack survivors were the first to be informed of Abedi’s successful extradition.
A solicitor representing some of the families affected by the terror attack said: “The families have consistently been concerned about the security failings during the Manchester terror attack and they want any criminal proceedings against Hashem Abedi to conclude quickly and in time for the public inquiry next year.”
