In a troubling incident that underscores ongoing issues of violence in crowded correctional facilities, Hashem Abedi, the 28-year-old brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, has been accused of violently attacking prison guards at Frankland Prison, a high-security facility in County Durham, England. According to the Prison Officers' Association (POA), Abedi attacked three officers using homemade weapons following an initial confrontation where he reportedly threw hot cooking oil on them.
As a result of the assault, the guards sustained a range of injuries, including burns and stab wounds. A spokesperson for the prison service confirmed that one female officer received treatment at a hospital but has since been discharged, while two male officers remain hospitalized for their injuries.
Abedi is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 55 years for his involvement in the 2017 bombing that resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals during an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Convicted alongside his brother, Salman Abedi, who was directly responsible for the attack, Hashem was deemed equally culpable by prosecutors but received a life sentence without parole due to his age at the time of the crime.
In a statement reflecting the gravity of the situation, the prison service emphasized that violence will not be tolerated within its facilities and that investigations are underway following the latest incident. The Durham Constabulary is leading this inquiry, calling for accountability and reinforcing the importance of safety for prison staff during their challenging roles.
