Lebanon Pursues Justice for Irish Soldier Sean Rooney’s Murder

Lebanese authorities have committed to locating the assassin of Private Sean Rooney, an Irish soldier killed in December 2022. Following a military court’s recent verdict, which convicted Hezbollah member Mohammad Ayad in absentia, the Lebanese government is now taking steps to apprehend him and appeal the sentences given to others involved in the crime.

On Tuesday, Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland, announced that Lebanese prosecutors will urgently pursue Ayad, who was sentenced to death after being released from custody last year on medical grounds. Ayad is believed to be recuperating in a hospital. Although the court imposed a death sentence, Lebanon has not executed anyone in over 20 years, meaning Ayad may face a lengthy prison term if apprehended.

The push for action comes after Harris expressed the Irish government’s disappointment regarding the sentences imposed on Ayad’s co-conspirators. Following the military court’s ruling on July 28, Harris contacted Lebanese authorities to convey his concerns, stating that the sentences were unacceptable and deeply upsetting to the Rooney family.

The court’s decision included a total of six individuals. In addition to Ayad, who received a death sentence and a fine of 100 million Lebanese pounds (approximately €950), the court sentenced Ali Suleiman to three months in prison and a similar fine, while Ali Khalifa received a one-month prison sentence and the same financial penalty. Other defendants, Hussein Suleiman, Mustafa Suleiman, and Ali Hakim, were fined 200 million Lebanese pounds (around €1,900) each. Mohammed Mazhar was declared innocent due to insufficient evidence.

The attack that resulted in Private Rooney’s death occurred while he was part of a convoy transporting Irish soldiers to Beirut Airport. During the assault, Rooney was fatally shot, and his colleague, Trooper Shane Kearney, sustained life-altering injuries. Two other soldiers, Corporal Joshua Phelan and Trooper Nathan Bryan, survived the attack.

In response to the court’s ruling, Harris met with Rooney’s family, including his mother, Natasha McCloskey, last week. He assured them that he would engage in urgent discussions with Lebanese officials, including the Ministers of Justice and Defence. These discussions took place on Tuesday, where Harris communicated the latest developments regarding the case.

Harris stated, “I very much welcome the confirmation today from the Lebanese Justice and Defence Ministers that an appeal has been formally lodged against the sentences handed down in the case of the death of Private Sean Rooney and the injuries of his colleagues.” He reiterated his commitment to liaising directly with Lebanese authorities to ensure justice is served.

The Lebanese government has appointed a new military chief prosecutor to oversee the case, and an official appeal against the sentences has been submitted to the military Cassation Court. Lebanese authorities have pledged to take immediate action to locate Ayad and bring him back into custody.

As this situation unfolds, both the Irish government and the Rooney family await further developments, hoping for a resolution that reflects the seriousness of the crime and the loss of life.