'Get a grip of Islamic extremists in prisons'

JUSTICE ministers have been told to “get a grip” on jailed Islamist extremists after a Manchester Arena bombing plotter attacked three prison officers.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

Hashem Abedi, 28, assaulted the guards, stabbing them and reportedly throwing hot butter or margarine in their faces.

The officers suffered life-threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds during the “unprovoked” and “vicious” attack.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said the assault comes after concerns about extremists “controlling” wings in high-security prisons.

Mr Jenrick told the Daily Express: “We need to know the truth and the Ministry of Justice needs to get a grip. It comes following serious concerns about the prison leadership’s ability to contain the threat from Islamist extremist inmates.

“Self-styled ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ leaders control wings in many high-security prisons.

“Instead of isolating them, the system is protecting them not officers or the public.

“Islamist gangs run shadow Sharia courts, dictate diets and enforce their rules with threats and flogging. Officers fear being labelled racist if they step in. This is appeasement, not punishment.”

Notorious

Abedi was jailed for life for helping his brother Salman carry out the 2017 Manchester Arena suicide bombing. The terrorist was handed a 55-year minimum term in August 2020. He is imprisoned at the category A HMP Frankland in Durham.