Images of Abedi relatives posing in Libya with machine guns were shown today to the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena massacre.
One photograph shows Ismail, Ramadan and Salman Abedi with guns in Africa. Ismail Abedi shows another photo, pointing at an ISIS book that is being sold in a store.
A third photo shown to the inquiry shows suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, who killed 22 people and injured hundreds more at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, also posing with a large machine gun.
An inquiry is underway at Manchester Magistrates’ Court regarding evidence related to Salman Abedi’s radicalisation and background. The hearing follows three weeks worth of closed-door hearings during which MI5 officers and counterterrorism police chiefs were interrogated about intelligence concerning the Abedis.
Ismail Abedi and Ramadan Abdei are seen with machine guns in Libya.
Ismail Abedi can be seen in another photo pointing towards an ISIS book in a bookshop.
A third picture shows Salman Abedi (22) with a machine pistol.
Yesterday the inquiry was heard by friends Salman Abedi was shocked and disbelief when he revealed that he was responsible for the atrocity.
Mohammed Alzoubare stated that Abedi had distanced himself in 2017 from their friends group and was more religious, but his “good friend” had not expressed any extremist views.
When Abedi revealed that he was the bomber he said to the inquiry that he was shocked that Salman had reported the story. We thought that he had been in Libya and we were questioning this. There was initially shock and disbelief. This was our first response to being honest.
Monday was Monday. Mr Alzoubare stated that their fathers are friends. He also said that he has gotten to know Abedi more since moving to Manchester from London in 2014.
He stated that he used to play football twice a week, and then three times per week. He was the one who watched our football. We used to go to his house to have dinner. That’s it.’
Alasdair, Henderson was the Counsel for the Inquiry. He asked: “Did you ever hear anything that led you to believe that he held extremist or very strong views?”
Herr Alzoubare answered:
Henderson stated that he did not see any changes in Henderson between 2016/2017 and when he first rose to the top.
Alzoubare stated that he may have distanced himself from some of the boys during this period. He might go to mosque more often. He may also go to the gym when we are doing what we’re doing.
Henderson said: “Did anybody get the impression that anyone was worried?
“Not really,” replied the witness.
Greater Manchester Police issued a handout image showing Salman Abedi, who was seen at Victoria Station on his way to Manchester Arena. This photo was taken May 22, 2017.
Near the site of the Manchester Arena explosion in May 2017, police were present
An inquiry discovered that Mr Alzoubare had received a call from Abedi in Libya, on May 15, one week before the bombing.
According to Mr Alzoubare, he didn’t actually say “I’m going do something”, it was just a conversation… But in hindsight, I think this man probably knew what he was doing. He was likely saying goodbye to a friend.
Abdulraouf Abdallah a convicted terrorist was also friend to Mr Alzoubare. This helped several men from Manchester travel to Syria to fight the Islamic State.
Abdallah was visited in prison by him three times before the bombing. Abedi had planned to accompany Abdallah on one of these visits on March 6. Abedi did not arrive.
Abdallah was explained by Mr Alzoubare to be a part of his family, as Abdallah’s cousin was married to Abdallah’s sibling. He also said that it was a duty to go to Abdallah to socialize and lift his spirits.
They also kept in touch via phone in weeks prior to the bombing. Abdallah made a call for 38 minutes on May 22nd. However, Mr Alzoubare claimed that his friend “would call every day because he was bored in prison”.
Inquiry heard that Mr Alzoubare was referred by the government to its Prevent counter-terror program in 2016. He was concerned about his potential radicalisation. However, he claimed he didn’t know it at the time and believed he was going through ‘counselling.
He denies knowing about any attempts to radicalise his character.
Una Morris, Una Morris’ barrister asked him: “Did any of you have anything to do with the atrocity that took place at the Manchester Arena?”
Herr Alzoubare responded: “None whatsoever.”
Continue the inquiry.