Terrorist with alleged links to Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi "refusing to co-operate with lawyers", bombing inquiry hears

A convicted terrorist is refusing to co-operate with the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena terror attack.
By Grace Hammond
Published 9th Sep 2020, 17:21 BST
Updated 9th Sep 2020, 17:24 BST
Emergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester ArenaEmergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester Arena
Emergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester Arena

Abdalraouf Abdallah is refusing to speak to lawyers for the inquiry about his links with the arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi, the hearing in Manchester was told.

Salman’s family in Libya is also refusing to co-operate.

Abdallah, along with the bomber’s older brother Ismail Abedi, who lives in the UK, are both refusing to answer questions claiming legal privilege against incriminating themselves.

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, who died in the attack at Manchester ArenaKelly Brewster, from Sheffield, who died in the attack at Manchester Arena
Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, who died in the attack at Manchester Arena
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Salman Abedi visited Abdallah in prison after he was jailed for terrorism offences in 2014 and the pair were in regular telephone contact.

The pair discussed martyrdom, the inquiry heard and Salman visited Abdallah at both HMP Belmarsh and HMP Altcourse.

Paul Greaney QC, continuing his opening statement on the third day of the inquiry, said: “We have no doubt he is a witness with important evidence to give.

“We are continuing to pursue this line of inquiry. We hope on reflection he will co-operate, so will press for him to give evidence before the inquiry.”

Manchester Arena bomber Salman AbediManchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi
Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi
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Salman Abedi detonated his home-made bomb at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017, killing 22 bystanders.

Among those killed were Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Adel, Leeds; Courtney Boyle, 19, a Leeds Beckett University student from Gateshead; Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield; Wendy Fawell, 50, from Otley; and Angelika and Marcin Klis, a couple from York.

His brother Hashem was jailed for life last month for his part in the plot. The public inquiry was adjourned until Monday.

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