The main defendant at the military tribunal in Beirut indicted for the murder of Irish Defence Forces private Seán Rooney has been sentenced to death, it is understood – however, he remains at large.
In a statement, Tánaiste and defence minister Simon Harris said that he noted the sentence handed down, along with those handed to a number of the other defendants who had previously not been in court.
“I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Pte Rooney’s family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today,” he said.
“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. All our thoughts are with them at this time.”
Pte Rooney, who was 24 and from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed while on UN duty when the armoured vehicle he was driving from south Lebanon to Beirut came under fire in December 2022. Several others were injured in the attack.
Previously, the Irish Government expressed its concerns about the lack of progress in the case against those charged with his killing.
Mr Harris said that raising these issues was a “central focus” of his visit to Beirut last March.
“I appreciate, therefore, the efforts of the court to bring forward the hearing date forward from September to today,” he said.
During my visit to Beirut, I left the Lebanese ministers in no doubt as to the absolute determination of the Irish Government to ensure that those responsible for Pte Rooney’s death are brought to justice.
“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 a legal sanction in Lebanon, reports suggest there has been a moratorium on executions since 2004.
The main defendant, Mohammad Ayyad, was absent from the proceedings as he was convicted at the military court on Monday, it is understood.
In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said 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 in this case was deeply regrettable.
“Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all, and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected.
“This is 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.”