It’s been a little over 3 years since the Manchester Arena bombing took place May 22, 2017. Although nothing can replace the lives lost, loved ones were finally able to see a tangible version of justice on August 20; the brother of the Ariana Grande Manchester Arena Bomber, Hashem Abedi, has been sentenced to a minimum of 55 years in jail.
In 2017, a bomb exploded in the entrance hall of Manchester Arena, just moments after pop singer, Ariana Grande, exited the stage. On the night of the bombing, nearly 14,000 people were at the arena. The confirmed Manchester Bomber, Salman Abedi, died by suicide after he detonated the bomb. 264 people were injured. 22 people died, some as young as 8 years old.
Because he was under the age of 21 at the time of the murders, the law prevents Hashem Abedi from acquiring a life sentence with no minimum term. In March, Abedi, then 22, was found guilty of 22 counts of murder — attempted murder —- encompassing the remaining injured, and conspiring to cause explosions.
According to Pink News, in a prior trial at the Old Bailey, London, Abedi was not present at the time of the explosion, but Hashem’s fingerprints and DNA were found at the addresses where the bomb was made. Courts were told that the defendant was involved in the research, experimentation and making of the explosives before his return to Libya, a month before the attack.
The 2-day long court hearing took place without Abedi because he refused to leave his cell. According to BBC News, the Crown Prosecution Service describes the trial as the “largest murder case in English legal history”.
“ The defendant should clearly understand the minimum term he should serve is 55 years. He may never be released,” said Judge Jeremy Baker.
Parents broke down in tears as they recalled when they discovered their loved ones had passed. Photos were even held up as they honored and described how that moment, 3 years ago, had altered their life forever.
