Man sentenced to death over killing of Irish soldier Seán Rooney

Pte Seán Rooney was in an armoured UN vehicle which came under fire while travelling to Beirut

A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon over the killing of an Irish soldier on a UN peacekeeping mission, BBC News NI understands.

Pte Seán Rooney was in an armoured UN vehicle which came under fire while travelling to Beirut on 14 December 2022.

The 24-year-old was the first Irish soldier to die while on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in more than 20 years. Three others were injured in the incident.

The main defendant in the case is Mohammad Ayyad. It is understood he did not appear in court on Monday.

A number of other men were convicted in relation to the shooting.

Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, said Lebanon's permanent military court found six individuals who were charged over Mr Rooney's killing guilty. One person was acquitted.

The death sentence was announced at a military tribunal in Beirut, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

Ayyad 'still at large'

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said that while he welcomes the conviction of the main defendant, "it is unsatisfactory that he is still at large".

"Many will feel the sentences passed down on the other defendants are far too lenient," Martin said.

"Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all, and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected," he said.

Micheál Martin said peacekeeping is the "most noble cause of all"

The taoiseach noted that "this is a very difficult day" for Pte Rooney's family, in particular his mother Natasha.

"Sean was a soldier of great courage, who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty," Martin said.

"He was brave and diligent. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

'Made the ultimate sacrifice'

Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Simon Harris 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," Harris said.

The tánaiste said Pte Rooney "made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace".

"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 said.

Harris visited Beirut last March and met with the Lebanese Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Defence.

He said he raised his "deep frustration at the slow pace of proceedings" before the Lebanese Military Tribunal regarding those charged with Pte Rooney's death.

He said the court hearing date was brought forward from September to Monday.

The taoiseach said "that the justice system in Lebanon, and the delay in progressing in this case, was deeply regrettable".

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Martin said "the court has made its decision".

"We can't interfere in the operations of the court itself, but I think the whole process certainly left a lot to be desired," he said.

Unifil said it "welcomes the conclusion of the trial process and the Government of Lebanon's commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice".

"Once again, we offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Private Rooney and the Government of Ireland."