Breaking Man sentenced to death over killing of Seán Rooney

RTÉ News​

5 days ago

A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon after he was convicted for his part in the killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was shot dead while serving in the region in December 2022.
The main defendant in the case, Mohammad Ayyad, was sentenced to death for his part in the killing, RTÉ News understands.
Sources said that the accused was not understood to have been present in the court when the sentence was announced.
Lebanon has maintained a moratorium on the death penalty since 2004 and has carried out no executions since then.
The death sentence is thus expected to be commuted to a prison term in the future, the source added.
Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed the conviction of the main defendant in the case.
In a statement, Mr Harris said he has been informed of the completion of hearings held by a military tribunal in Beirut.
He said he welcomed the conviction of the main defendant and a number of 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.
Pte Rooney and several colleagues were just a short distance from the main highway into Beirut when their vehicle was fired on near the southern Lebanese village of Al-Aqbiya on 14 December 2022.
The 24-year-old, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed while driving an armoured jeep.
The Tánaiste said Pte 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 he appreciated efforts of the Lebanese court to bring forward the hearing date forward from September to today.
"Finally, 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," the Tánaiste concluded.