**Gerry Adams Defamation Case: BBC Accused of 'Reckless Journalism' Over Allegations of Spy Killing**
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Former Sinn Féin Leader Claims Attack on His Reputation Following Informer's Death The High Court has heard that the BBC's report asserting that Gerry Adams authorized the killing of a British spy constitutes "reckless journalism" based on a solitary anonymous source, amounting to an "unjustified attack" on the former Sinn Féin leader's reputation. Lawyers representing Mr. Adams made these statements on Tuesday at the commencement of a civil trial concerning his defamation lawsuit against the BBC.
This case stems from a 2016 episode of BBC's Spotlight program and an accompanying article in which Mr. Adams asserts he was wrongly implicated in the April 2006 murder of informer Denis Donaldson. The BBC stands by its position that Mr. Adams has not been defamed. In his opening remarks to the jury, Tom Hogan SC, representing Mr.
Adams, emphasized that his client is regarded as a "peacemaker" who has played a pivotal role in steering the Republican movement away from violence towards peace. He declared that the core of the case represents "an unjustified attack on his reputation." Mr. Hogan noted that the BBC is not defending the allegation that Mr. Adams sanctioned Mr. Donaldson's murder and assured the jury they would not be presented with any evidence suggesting the claim's veracity. He characterized the BBC's publication of the allegations as "reckless journalism," asserting, "The allegation was not made in good faith." Mr. Hogan criticized the BBC for relying on a single anonymous source, which he referred to as a "journalistic no-no," and claimed they failed to conduct sufficient verification of the source's statements, which were purely based on "hearsay." He recounted how the allegations emerged unexpectedly when a BBC reporter approached Mr. Adams in June 2016 for his response. "The claim that Gerry Adams sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson is false," Mr. Hogan stated. He also pointed out that Mr. Adams's denial was not communicated to the anonymous source, and the source was not prompted to validate their claims. Mr. Hogan expressed confidence that the BBC would not be able to convince the jury they adequately verified such serious allegations. He noted that the BBC would argue it did not defame Mr. Adams and that publishing the allegations was "fair and reasonable." Furthermore, Mr. Hogan mentioned the BBC's likely assertion that Mr. Adams's reputation is so tarnished that a false murder accusation against him would not diminish public perception of him. Mr. Hogan, who appeared alongside Declan Doyle SC and John Kerr, representing Johnsons Solicitors, reminded the jury that their task was not to judge Mr. Adams's likability. He acknowledged, "Gerry Adams could be viewed as a polarizing figure. To some, he is a hero; to others, he is not." Concluding his statement, Mr. Hogan remarked, "Few defamation cases are as serious as this one." He emphasized that the allegations reached a "very large" audience, and the article remains available on the BBC's website. In the witness stand, Mr. Adams recounted his childhood in Ballymurphy in west Belfast, the significant influence of his grandmother, his education, and his "political awakening," as well as the formation of the Northern Ireland Civil Association and the early days of The Troubles. Mr. Adams is expected to continue his testimony on Wednesday. The BBC denies any wrongdoing and defends the Spotlight program and article as having been published in good faith on issues of significant public interest. The organization claims the program reflects responsible journalism stemming from thorough investigation. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, is projected to last up to four weeks.
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