Bazzi arrest ‘first step’ in pursuit of justice for Irish UN peacekeepers

What happens to a man alleged to be a suspect in the torture and killing of two Irish UN peacekeepers is a matter for American authorities, the Department of Defence has stated.

Last week, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested ice-cream seller Mahmoud Bazzi, 71, at his home in Dearborn, Michigan, for entering America on a false passport 21 years ago.

Spokeswoman Gillian Christensen said Bazzi was held for “immigration violations”, adding the American government was “committed to rooting out alleged human rights violators who seek a safe haven in the United States”.