Man sentenced to death over 2022 killing of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon
A military tribunal in Beirut trying seven men had been ongoing into the killing of Private Rooney, from Co Donegal, who died after the armoured vehicle he was driving came under fire near the village of Al-Aqbiya in December 2022. He was 24 years old.
Trooper Shane Kearney from Co Cork also suffered serious injuries in the same incident.
The troops were driving near the town of Al-Aqbiya, known to be a stronghold of Hezbollah.
Mr Rooney was dropping colleagues to the airport to return home to their families for Christmas when their convoy came under attack.
"This evening I have been informed of the completion of the hearings held by the Military Tribunal in Beirut for those indicted for the murder of Private Sean Rooney, who was killed during an incident on 14 December 2022 at Al-Aqbiya, Lebanon, in which a number of his colleagues in the 121st Infantry Battalion also sustained serious injuries,' Defence Minister Simon Harris said.
'I welcome the conviction of the main defendant and a number of the other defendants, who had not previously been in court. While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Private Rooney's family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today,' Mr Harris said, without specifying the sentences imposed on any of the defendants.
"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,' Mr Harris said.
An initial date of September had been set for the trial but this was moved forward at the request of the Irish government as Private Rooney's family had been waiting more than two years after his death for any progress in the case, despite numerous hearings taking place.
'I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time,' Mr Harris said.
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Irish Independent
20 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
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