{"id":144127,"date":"2025-05-30T12:49:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/144127\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T12:49:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:49:11","slug":"bbc-ni-director-says-gerry-adams-verdict-has-profound-implications-for-free-speech-the-irish-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/144127\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC NI director says Gerry Adams verdict has \u2018profound\u2019 implications for free speech \u2013 The Irish News"},"content":{"rendered":"

The BBC has said it is \u201cdisappointed\u201d after a Dublin jury ruled in favour of Gerry Adams<\/a> in a high-profile libel trial<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On Friday, the former Sinn F\u00e9\u00edn President was awarded \u20ac100,000 (\u00a384,000) in damages.<\/p>\n

The 2016 Spotlight documentary and accompanying online article had alleged the former Sinn F\u00e9in President had sanctioned the murder of British agent Denis Donaldson. <\/p>\n

Following the verdict, Mr Adams also alleged there was political interference at the BBC<\/a>, which the broadcaster has declined to comment on.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>\"Daughter<\/a><\/p>\n

In a statement, BBC Northern Ireland Director Adam Smyth said: \u201cWe are disappointed by this verdict. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe we supplied extensive evidence to the court of the careful editorial process and journalistic diligence applied to this programme and accompanying online article. <\/p>\n

\u201cMoreover, it was accepted by the court, and conceded by Gerry Adams\u2019 legal team, that the Spotlight broadcast and publication were of the highest public interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has been awarded \u20ac100,000 in his libel case against the BBC at Dublin High Court.<\/p>\n

Adams alleged a BBC Spotlight programme and accompanying online story defamed him by claiming he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/7oPTLDiC0w<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Irish News (@irish_news) May 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t want to come to court, but it was important that we defend our journalism and we stand by that decision. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur past is difficult terrain for any jury and we thank them for their diligence and careful consideration of the issues in this case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GerryGerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin after the jury returned its verdict (Brian Lawless\/PA) <\/p>\n

He added that the implications of the decision were \u201cprofound,\u201d and questioned how anyone could win a libel case under Irish defamation law, warning it could hinder freedom of speech.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, a case of this importance, duration and complexity involves significant expense,\u201d Mr Smyth said. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn common with other media organisations the BBC has insurance and makes financial provision for ongoing and anticipated legal claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spotlight reporter Jennifer O\u2019Leary commented: \u201cI said in the witness box that I had nothing to hide, only sources to protect and I want to thank them for trusting me.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also want to acknowledge and thank our witnesses in court \u2013 Trevor Ringland, Senator Michael McDowell and Ann Travers \u2013 who spoke so courageously. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there are thousands of Ann Travers across this island and in Britain – victims and survivors of the Troubles and the years after the peace agreement who carry the burden of their grief and trauma with incredible courage. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey are the people I\u2019m thinking of \u2013 all of them. Thank you.”<\/p>\n

\"BBCBBC journalist Jennifer O\u2019Leary arrives at the High Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless\/PA)