Prosecution in Lebanon seeks harsher penalties for the men found guilty of murdering Pte. Sean Rooney
In a significant development, an appeal has been formally lodged against the sentences handed down in the 2022 murder case of Irish peacekeeper Sean Rooney. This appeal was submitted to the military Cassation Court in August 2025, following widespread dissatisfaction with the initial sentences.
The main perpetrator, Mohammad Ayyad, was sentenced to death in absentia by a Lebanese military court last month, but remains at large. Other convicted men received relatively lenient sentences, causing criticism. The Lebanese government has responded by appointing a new military chief prosecutor to handle the case and has pledged to take urgent steps to ensure Ayyad is apprehended.
The Irish government, including Tánaiste Simon Harris, has publicly expressed disappointment with the leniency of the sentences and is closely monitoring the appeal process and coordinating with Lebanese authorities to ensure justice for Rooney and his injured colleagues. Harris spoke with Sean's mother, Natasha, last week to update her on the latest developments in the case.
The military tribunal in Lebanon convicted five other men of lesser offences in relation to the attack. Two received prison sentences of one and three months respectively, while the remainder were given modest fines. The Tánaiste made it clear that the sentences handed down in this case are not acceptable and are very disappointing.
Natasha Rooney described the legal proceedings as a "sham trial process." The Tánaiste has promised to follow up directly with the Lebanese government in relation to the appeal, and has welcomed the confirmation that an appeal has been formally lodged. The Irish officials remain actively engaged and are committed to achieving a stronger and more satisfactory resolution to the case.
[1] Lebanese government appoints new military chief prosecutor to handle appeal in Sean Rooney murder case. (2025). The Irish Times. [2] Irish government disappointed with leniency of sentences in Sean Rooney murder case. (2025). RTE News. [3] Lebanese authorities pledge to apprehend main defendant in Sean Rooney murder case. (2025). The Journal. [4] Sean Rooney's mother describes legal proceedings as a "sham trial process". (2025). The Irish Examiner. [5] Appeal lodged against sentences in Sean Rooney murder case. (2025). The Irish Independent.
- The ongoing development in the 2022 murder case of Sean Rooney, an Irish peacekeeper, has sparked discussions in various general news outlets, including war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice, as the Irish government expresses disappointment with the leniency of the sentences.
- Amidst criticism and public dissatisfaction following the initial sentences handed down in the Sean Rooney murder case, the Lebanese government has taken steps to address the issue, such as appointing a new military chief prosecutor to handle the appeal, underscoring the political implications of the case.
