Jury discovered that the BBC had not acted in good religion and awarded Adams 100,000 euros ($113,000) in damages.
Former Sinn Fein chief Gerry Adams has gained a libel case towards the BBC over a report alleging he sanctioned the killing of an informant within the Irish republican motion.
A jury at Eire’s Excessive Courtroom on Friday discovered that the BBC had not acted in good religion and in a “truthful and affordable” means and awarded Adams 100,000 euros ($113,000) in damages.
Adams introduced the lawsuit over a declare in a 2016 documentary and on-line article that he sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson, a long-serving Sinn Fein official who acknowledged in 2005 that he had labored for British intelligence. He was shot lifeless at his cottage in rural Eire 4 months later.
The BBC “Highlight” investigation included an nameless allegation that the homicide was sanctioned by the political and army management of the Irish Republican Military and that Adams gave “the ultimate say”.
Adams denies any involvement.
Talking exterior court docket, Adams, 76, stated the case was “about placing manners on the British Broadcasting Company”. His solicitors stated Adams was “very happy with this resounding verdict”.
Adams, 76, is among the most influential figures of Northern Eire’s many years of battle, and its peace course of. He led Sinn Fein, the social gathering linked to the IRA, between 1983 and 2018. He has at all times denied being an IRA member, however former colleagues have stated he was certainly one of its leaders.
The BBC argued that it acted in “good religion”, that its programme was “truthful and affordable” and within the public curiosity, and that the allegation made within the documentary was supported by 5 different sources.
Talking exterior Dublin Excessive Courtroom alongside Highlight reporter Jennifer O’Leary, BBC Northern Eire director Adam Smyth informed reporters they had been upset with the decision.
“We consider we equipped intensive proof to the court docket of the cautious editorial course of and journalistic diligence utilized to this programme and accompanying on-line article,” Smyth stated.
“Furthermore, it was accepted by the court docket, and conceded by Gerry Adams’ authorized group, that the Highlight broadcast and publication had been of the very best public curiosity.”
Adams introduced the case in Dublin because the Highlight programme may very well be watched in Eire, the place it was seen by about 16,000 folks.
A web-based article additionally had about 700 hits in Eire throughout a 14-month interval after its publication in September 2016.