Inmates in high-security units banned from kitchens after prison officers attacked by Manchester Arena bomber with hot oil and blades

The recent attack at HMP Frankland involving Hashem Abedi, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing, has prompted an uproar, particularly from the families of his victims. Abedi assailed three prison officers using boiling oil and makeshift weapons, leading to severe injuries. This incident has reignited concerns about prison safety and what constitutes appropriate privileges for dangerous inmates like Abedi. The Ministry of Justice has responded by launching a review and immediately suspending kitchen access for inmates in separation units, which suggests an acknowledgment of the failures in managing high-risk prisoners. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by prison staff and raises questions about the systemic inadequacies in ensuring safety within the prison system. The families of the bomb victims are understandably outraged, feeling that Abedi's capacity to inflict harm, even from within the prison walls, is a gross injustice and a failure of the system designed to protect the public. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter regulations regarding the treatment of inmates classified as high risk. Furthermore, the Prime Minister, amidst public backlash, has expressed his shock and concern, indicating the urgency for reform to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The debates surrounding prison reforms, staff safety, and the rights of inmates will likely intensify following this incident.