Peacekeepers gather around the coffin of Irish soldier Sean Rooney on Dec. 18, 2022, before his body is repatriated to Ireland. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP/File photo)
UNIFIL on Friday urged Lebanese authorities to deliver justice for an Irish peacekeeper allegedly killed by Hezbollah members after one of his accused killers was released from custody.
On Wednesday, Lebanese media reports claimed Mohamad Ayad, one of five Hezbollah members accused of killing the UNIFIL peacekeeper, was released.
The Irish soldier from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed and three others wounded on Dec. 14 when their vehicle was attacked near the village of al-Aqbiya, in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has a strong presence.
Lebanon's military court has charged five Hezbollah members with the killing.
"The Lebanese Military Court has informed us that the indicted individual detained in the attack that killed UNFIL Peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney on 14 December 2022 and injured 3 others has been released on bail due to his deteriorating health. He remains required to appear before the Court at the next hearing scheduled on 15 December 2023," UNIFIL said in a statement.
"UNIFIL continues to demand accountability for the killing of Private Rooney, which — like all attacks on peacekeepers — is a crime under both international and Lebanese law," the statement also said.
"Other individuals charged in the 14 December attack remain at large. We continue to urge Lebanese authorities to bring them to justice and ensure all who contributed to the death of Private Rooney are held accountable for their crimes," UNIFIL added.