Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that Hashem Abedi has been successfully handed over to UK authorities following months of negotiation with the Libyan authorities.
Hashem Abedi is the younger brother of Salman Abedi, who blew himself up as thousands of children were leaving the Manchester Arena, having watched an Ariana Grande concert on 22nd May, 2017.
Hashem Abedi has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion in relation to the May 2017 suicide attack.
According to the BBC, a spokesman for the Rada Special Deterrence Force military group, which has been holding Mr Abedi, said he was handed over to members of the British Embassy.
Both brothers travelled to Libya in April 2017, before Salman Abedi returned alone to carry out the attack on 22 May.
In a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said:
“Since the Manchester Arena attack of 22nd May 2017, our thoughts have been with the families of those who lost loved ones and the hundreds who are struggling with serious physical injuries and deep psychological effects.
“They have always been central to our investigation and will continue to be so at all times.
“I am now able to say that following application by the Crown Prosecution Service for the extradition of Hashem Abedi from Libya, that today he has been successfully extradited, for offences relating to the Manchester Arena attack.
“He was handed over by Libyan authorities to British police officers this morning. They escorted him on the flight back and he landed in the UK a short while ago.
“Greater Manchester Police officers have arrested Hashem Abedi for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.
“He will be transferred to a police custody facility in London.
“Previously the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge of Hashem Abedi in respect of:
“The murder of the 22 deceased victims, the attempted murder of persons other than the 22 deceased victims and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.
“After processing at the police station, he will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in relation to these charges.
“I want to thank all those involved for their commitment to this investigation and the successful extradition of Hashem Abedi.
“We do understand that there has been a huge appetite for updates in relation to the extradition. We are pleased that we can now explain the progress that has been made.
“It is important to allow the judicial process to take place and we would ask media colleagues and the wider public to respect this”.
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