Gerry Adams Testifies in Ongoing Libel Case Against BBC

Gerry Adams is suing the BBC for defamation over a 2016 Spotlight programme and online article alleging he sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson, a former Sinn Fein official revealed as a police and MI5 agent. Adams denies involvement and has testified that he never took civil action over IRA membership allegations due to concerns about a fair trial. He contends the BBC's claims damaged his reputation as a peacemaker and dismissed the allegation's source as anonymous and unknown. The BBC's legal team countered by presenting other related articles on their website, including the Donaldson family's statement denying IRA involvement, but Adams maintained that the damage was already done. Throughout the trial, Adams expressed irritation over ongoing allegations linking him to IRA crimes, emphasizing his commitment to the peace process and regret over past violence. The case continues in the High Court in Dublin with Adams challenging the legitimacy of the BBC's accusations.