The primary defendant in the military tribunal in Beirut, charged with the murder of Irish Defence Forces Private Seán Rooney, has reportedly been sentenced to death. However, he remains at large.
Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris issued a statement acknowledging the sentence handed down, as well as the sentences given to several other defendants who were not previously present in court.
“I am disappointed, and I share the disappointment of Pte Rooney’s family, regarding the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today,” he stated.
“Seán Rooney made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace. This is a difficult time for his family and his colleagues, especially those who were injured that night. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”
Pte Rooney, a 24-year-old from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed in December 2022 while serving on UN duty. The armoured vehicle he was driving from south Lebanon to Beirut came under fire. Several others sustained injuries in the attack.
Previously, the Irish Government had voiced its concerns about the slow progress of the case against those accused of his murder.
Mr. Harris stated that addressing these issues was a “central focus” of his visit to Beirut last March.
“Therefore, I appreciate the court’s efforts to advance the hearing date from September to today,” he said.
“I want to express my appreciation to my officials, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s Ambassador to Lebanon, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s Honorary Consul to Lebanon, and the Department’s Lebanese lawyer, all of whom attended today’s hearing along with a member of Seán’s family.
“Finally, I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Pte Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief, and all my thoughts remain with them at this time.”
While capital punishment is legally permissible in Lebanon, it’s reported that a moratorium on executions has been in place since 2004.
The primary defendant, Mohammad Ayyad, was absent from the proceedings during his conviction at the military court on Monday, according to reports.
In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that while he welcomed the conviction of the main defendant, it was “unsatisfactory that he is still at large.”
“Many will feel the sentences passed down on the other defendants are far too lenient,” he said. “The justice system in Lebanon, and the delay in progressing this case, was deeply regrettable.
“Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all, and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honored and respected.”
“This is a very difficult day for the family of Sean Rooney, in particular his mother Natasha.”
Mr. Martin added that Pte Rooney was a soldier of “great courage who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty.”
“He was brave and diligent,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”
