Ex-militiaman (76) Jailed For 15 Years For Murdering Two Irish Peacekeepers 40 Years Ago In Lebanon

A military court in Lebanon sentenced Mahmoud Bazzi to life for the murders of 29 year old Private Thomas Barrett from Macroom and 31 year old Private Derek Smallhorne from Dublin. 

However the sentenced was then reduced, due to his advancing age. 

Defence Minister Simon Coveney issued a statement overnight:

“I am thankful that this matter has been brought to a conclusion by the Lebanese Authorities and that a conviction has been obtained in the case.” 

"The Irish Government has done everything possible to assist the Lebanese authorities with this case in recent years and I am delighted that, after four decades since the murder of the two peacekeepers, justice has now been done.”

"The families of Privates Thomas Barrett and Derek Smallhorne who lost their lives so tragically while on United Nations peacekeeping duty in Lebanon have been updated on the outcome of the case. I hope this decision of the Military Tribunal will go some way to ease the suffering endured by the families by the loss of their loved ones.”

 

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