Irish defense forceA person has been sentenced to death in Lebanon on the murder of an Irish soldier on the peace mission of the United Nations, understands BBC News Ni.
PTE Seán Rooney was in an armored United Nations vehicle that came under fire While traveling to Beirut on 14 December 2022,
The 24 -year -old was the first Irish soldier to die during the United Nations peacekeeping in Lebanon over 20 years. Three others were injured in the incident.
The chief defendant in the case is Mohammad Ayad. It is understood that he did not appear in court on Monday.
Many others were convicted in connection with the shooting.
According to the Irish Broadcaster RTA, a death sentence was announced in a military tribunal in Beirut.
Aiyid ‘still big but’
TaCich (Irish Prime Minister) Michael Martin said that when he welcomes the convict of the chief defendant, “it is unsatisfactory that he is still largely”.
“Many will feel that the sentences passing on other defendants are far away,” Martin said.
He said, “Peacekeeping is the most noble reason for everyone, and the role of the Peacekeeper should be honored and honored at all times,” he said.
Getty imagesTaCich said that for PTE Roney’s family “it’s a very difficult day”, especially his mother Natasha.
Martin said, “Sean was a soldier of great courage, who put the safety of others in the line of duty before his safety.”
“He was brave and hardworking. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, her family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time.”
‘Last sacrificed’
Tanistay (Deputy Ayarish Prime Minister) Simon Harris said that he welcomed the sentence of the chief defendant and several other defendants, “who were not in court earlier”.
Harris said, “Keeping in mind the punishment assigned to the chief defendant, I am disappointed and shared the disappointment of private Runi’s family on light sentences on many people convicted today.”
Tanist said that PTE Roney “made a final sacrifice in the great chase of peace”.
“I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for a private Roney’s family. None of us can hurt their unimaginable pain and sorrow and all my views remain with them at the moment,” Tanistay said.
Harris visited Beirut in the last March and met with the Lebanese ministers of foreign affairs of defense.
He said that he raised “deep disappointment at a slow pace of action” before the Lebanese military tribunal before the Lebanese military tribunal.
He said that the date of hearing of the court was brought forward from September to Monday.
TaCich said, “The justice system in Lebanon, and the delay in progress in the matter, was deeply regrettable”.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Martin said “the court has taken its decision”.
“We cannot interfere in the operation of the court ourselves, but I think the whole process has certainly left a lot to be desired,” he said.
