8 May 2013

World War II soldiers pardoned by Ireland

9:27 am on 8 May 2013

The Irish parliament has passed legislation granting a pardon to almost 5000 soldiers who left the republic's armed forces to serve alongside British and other Allied troops during World War II.

The Irish Republic remained neutral in the conflict between 1939 - 1945, but thousands of soldiers left the country and the army to join the British forces.

They were found guilty by military tribunals of going absent without leave and branded deserters.

After the war they faced discrimination, lost their pensions and were barred from holding jobs paid for by the state.

Last year, the Irish government apologised for the way they were treated.

Legislation to pardon them was passed on Tuesday and will be signed into law by the Irish president within days.

The BBC reports the bill also grants an amnesty and immunity from prosecution to Irish soldiers who fought alongside the allies.