A convicted terrorist must attend Manchester Arena bombing inquiry
Abdalraouf Abdallah's lawyers argued that compelling him to give evidence would infringe his human rights
Last updated 19th Oct 2021
A convicted terrorist has been told he must come to court this week to give evidence at the Manchester Arena bombing public inquiry.
Abdalraouf Abdallah, 28, had been in contact with his friend Salman Abedi in the months leading to the explosion at the end of Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, which killed 22 people.
In July 2016, Abdallah, from Moss Side, was given an extended sentence of nine-and-half-years, with a custodial term of five- and-a-half years, after he was convicted of preparing and funding acts of terrorism by helping four others travel to Syria.
Abedi, 22, twice visited Abdallah in prison and was in contact via a mobile phone smuggled into jail in the months leading up to the Arena bombing on May 22.
Abdallah's lawyers argued that compelling him to give evidence would infringe his human rights by increasing his risk of self harm and/or suicide.
Abdallah, a serving prisoner at HMP Wakefield, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after he became a paraplegic when injured in fighting in Libya in 2011 during the country's uprising.
Rejecting the application to revoke a notice requiring his attendance, inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders said the increase in risk was "not possible to quantify with any certainty", but it could be properly managed in the prison estate.
Sir John said: "Mr Abdallah is an important witness.
"An expert on Islamist extremism I have instructed, Dr Matthew Wilkinson, has suggested that Mr Abdallah exposed Salman Abedi to Islamist extremist views and played a role in radicalising him.
"This is a view I intend to test in evidence with the expert. I would also wish for there to be the opportunity to explore relevant issues with Mr Abdallah himself. "
The inquiry has been told Abdallah has received legal advice not to answer any questions on Wednesday, and will assert his privilege against possible self-incrimination.
Abdallah, who denies grooming Abedi or any involvement in the Arena attack, was released from jail in November on licence before being recalled in January - reportedly over a breach of a general condition requiring good behaviour.
The inquiry will resume today (Tuesday) with evidence covering the background and radicalisation of Abedi.