Yousef Palani (23) of Iraqi descent has received two life sentences for the murders of two gay men in Sligo, Ireland in April 2022.
Aidan Moffitt (42) and Michael Snee (58) were found murdered in their own homes, 1km apart, in the space of 24 hours.
Aidan Moffitt was found murdered at his home on the northern outskirts of Sligo town at 8.30pm on Monday, April 11, 2022; at approximately 10.30pm the following night a second man, Michael Snee, was found dead with significant physical injuries.
Palani was sentenced to life in prison for the murders and also received a 20-year sentence for assaulting a third man, who lost the sight of one eye as a result of the attack.
At the Criminal Courts of Justice, LGBT Ireland said the sentencing is a milestone in what has been a dark chapter for the families, friends and wider community.
Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland, said: “The hate crimes committed by Yousef Palani were horrendous and had a devastating impact.
“The murders and the attack had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Sligo, the northwest and across the island.
“Once again call on the Government and the Oireachtas to pass the Hate Crime Bill and to proactively tackle hate with a National Action Plan.”