THE trial of those indicted of killing a Newtowncunningham peacekeeper, who was shot dead while on duties in southern Lebanon, has been postponed again – this time until 17 September.
Private Seán Rooney was killed near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah on December 14, 2022.
Pte Rooney, from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, was killed while Trooper Shane Kearney, from Co Cork, was badly wounded.
They had been serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) when the attack happened. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris expressed his further disappointment on learning of the decision, and that none of those indicted for the killing appeared in court in Beirut today.
The department was represented in court by its Beirut-based lawyer. The Irish Ambassador to Lebanon was also in attendance.
The lack of progress with the criminal trial is said to be a source of considerable disappointment to the family of Pte Rooney.
However, the Tánaiste and the Government are hopeful that with a newly-established Government and court structures in Lebanon progress will be made in bringing those responsible for the death of Pte Rooney to justice.
The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case and has, on a number of occasions, raised the issue with the Lebanese defence and foreign affairs ministers.
The Tánaiste will continue to make strong representations on this matter to his Lebanese counterparts, and with the United Nations, in terms of ensuring that justice is served for Private Rooney’s family.
Pte Rooney’s family has been informed of the developments.
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