Manchester Arena Survivor Condemns Prison Attack by Bomber’s Brother
In a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over prison security, Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, attacked three prison officers at HMP Frankland. The assault, involving boiling oil and improvised weapons, left two officers hospitalized with serious injuries.
Martin Hibbert, a survivor of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing that claimed 22 lives, expressed his anguish and disbelief over the attack. In an open letter to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Hibbert criticized the prison system for allowing Abedi access to facilities that enabled the assault. He described the incident as a “catastrophic failure” and a blatant disrespect to the victims and survivors of the bombing.
The Ministry of Justice has responded by suspending kitchen access in separation units and launching an independent review into the incident. The attack has prompted widespread calls for stricter controls over high-risk inmates and a reevaluation of prison privileges.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing rehabilitation efforts with the safety and security of prison staff and the public.
