UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ex-Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wins €100,000 libel case after Dublin jury finds BBC defamed him by alleging he approved a spy’s murder in a 2016 documentary.
As reported by The Guardian, Gerry Adams successfully sued the BBC for defamation over a documentary that accused him of authorising the 2006 killing of an MI5 informant.
How did Gerry Adams win his defamation case?
The Dublin High Court jury found in favour of the former Sinn Féin chief on Friday. This high-profile case investigated his supposed involvement with the IRA and his role in the Troubles, resulting in a €100,000 damages award to Adams.
During the four-week trial, Adams’ legal team accused the BBC of carrying out a “grievous smear” and a “hatchet job.” In response, the BBC stood by the documentary, arguing the libel lawsuit was a calculated effort to repair Adams’s public image.
How did the BBC’s spotlight report impact Adams’s reputation?
The ex-West Belfast MP alleged that a BBC documentary and a related online article defamed him. They claimed he had given the green light for the murder of Denis Donaldson. Donaldson was once a Sinn Féin official. He was murdered in County Donegal after admitting he had been a police and MI5 informant.
The allegation against Adams came from an anonymous source identified only as “Martin.”
What did Adams’s lawyers say about the BBC’s coverage?
The legal team for Adams accused the BBC of “reckless journalism.” They argued the broadcaster unfairly targeted a man who played an essential role in the peace process that ended the Troubles.
What did the BBC say about the allegations against Adams?
According to the BBC, it reported in good faith. It claimed the case was shown as an allegation, not a fact. The broadcaster said five additional sources, including senior security services, supported the report.
The broadcaster’s lawyers claimed Adams was widely believed to have been an IRA commander during the Troubles. They said he had little reputation remaining. They added that any damages claim would be a “cruel joke.”
What did Adams reveal during his trial testimony?
At 76, he dominated the witness box for much of his trial. He discussed his youth, political journey, the Troubles, the IRA’s violent campaign, and the peace process.
Adams firmly denied being part of the IRA. He said, “It wasn’t a path that I took.”
Who were the other witnesses in the trial?
Witnesses at the trial included Jennifer O’Leary, the BBC reporter who produced the documentary. Media experts also provided differing opinions on the programme and the article.
What instructions did the Judge give to the jury?
Justice Alexander Owens told the jury before deliberations began that they did not have to rule on whether Adams sanctioned the murder. He added there was no need to consider the republican leader’s historical role.
The judge told the jury of 12 to decide if the documentary and article suggested Adams had sanctioned the murder. They had to determine if the claims were statements of fact or merely allegations. If the jury concluded that Adams sanctioned the killing, they would then consider whether the BBC acted in good faith.
They were also instructed to consider Adams’s current and recent reputation, including how it is viewed by the public and over time.
Defamation case in UK politics
- Arron Banks v Carole Cadwalladr (2022) – A libel case involving allegations about Banks’ ties to Russia during the Brexit campaign
- Johnny Depp v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Dan Wootton (2020) – Though primarily a celebrity case, it involved political undertones regarding domestic violence allegations
- Rachel Riley v Mike Sivier (2022) – A libel case involving political commentary about the Countdown presenter’s activism
- Simon Singh v British Chiropractic Association (2008) – A high-profile case involving scientific criticism and free speech, with political implications
- Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney (2022) – While centred on personal reputations, it involved media leaks and public figures