Gerry Adams wins €100,000 in defamation case against the BBC

Gerry Adams has been awarded €100,000 in damages after a High Court jury in Dublin ruled that the BBC defamed him in a 2016 programme, which alleged his involvement in the murder of British spy Denis Donaldson.

The court found the broadcaster had falsely implicated Adams in sanctioning the 2006 killing of Donaldson, a former senior IRA member later exposed as an MI5 agent.

The jury reached its decision after a 21-day trial that concluded today, Friday, May 30, following around seven hours of deliberation.

Speaking outside the court, the former Sinn Féin leader said: "From my perspective, taking this case was about putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation."

Adams had sought €200,000 in damages, arguing the allegations amounted to a "grievous smear." He has denied any involvement in Donaldson’s murder, which occurred eight years after the Good Friday Agreement.

The defamatory claims were aired in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight documentary and a related online article. The BBC was represented in court by former Irish attorney-general Paul Gallagher. It defended its coverage as fair and in the public interest.

Outside court, BBC NI director Adam Smyth warned the ruling could have far-reaching implications for press freedom. The broadcaster has not ruled out an appeal.

Adams was a TD for Louth at the time of the broadcast aired in 2016. He has stated he intends to donate the damages to charitable causes. Leaving the courtroom, he wore a Palestinian keffiyeh under his suit.

Adams is expected to appear in a separate civil case next year in London, where victims of IRA violence are suing him for damages.