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Judge says Adams libel case jury not asked to give ‘verdict on Irish history’
- In May 2025, Gerry Adams initiated a lawsuit against the BBC at the Dublin High Court, challenging a 2016 Spotlight programme that claimed he authorized the murder of Denis Donaldson in Donegal in 2006.
- The case arises from claims by an anonymous source that Adams had final say on Donaldson's murder, but the Real IRA claimed responsibility and a Garda investigation remains open.
- Judge Owens instructed twelve jurors they must decide on Adams' current and 2006 public reputation as ordinary citizens, without making historical judgments on his IRA role or the peace process.
- Senior Counsel Declan Doyle argued Adams suffered a "grievous smear" warranting substantial damages of at least €200,000, while Paul Gallagher for the BBC stressed the allegations were presented as contested claims with Adams' denials.
- The jury’s verdict will focus on whether Adams’ reputation was harmed, balancing free speech and defamation, with the outcome affecting public discourse on past political violence and media responsibility.
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Jury urged to award Gerry Adams ‘very substantial’ damages of €200,000 over BBC Spotlight programme
A High Court jury has been urged to award Gerry Adams “very substantial” damages of €200,000 for defamation over a BBC programme in which it was alleged he sanctioned the murder of British spy Denis Donaldson.
·Ireland
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
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R 17%
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