The slow progress in criminal proceedings against the Lebanese men charged with the killing of Irish peacekeeper Pvt. Seán Rooney in 2022 has raised concerns for Ireland’s top diplomat. Micheál Martin, the Irish foreign and defense minister, expressed his worries while visiting Lebanon. Only one suspect, Mohammed Ayyad, has been arrested, while the four others remain at large.
The suspects are allegedly linked to Hezbollah, although the group denies any involvement in the killing. The incident took place when Rooney and his fellow peacekeepers encountered armed men in an area outside their mandate. Despite initial reports of a confrontation, the indictment concluded it was a targeted attack. Martin emphasized the need for justice and a swift trial for the perpetrators.
The ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon have added complexity to the situation, with clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. UNIFIL’s mission, created to oversee Israeli troop withdrawal in 1978, has faced challenges in recent years. The Irish government remains committed to seeking justice for Rooney’s tragic death.