Date set for Adams defamation action against BBC

A hearing date of April 29, 2025 has been set at the High Court for the defamation action brought by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams against the BBC. Mr Adams, aged 76, alleges that the broadcaster falsely claimed he sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson in Glenties, County Donegal in 2006. The case centres on a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme and accompanying webpage article. The BBC denies the defamation claim, contending that both the programme and publication were made in good faith on a matter of significant public interest and constituted responsible journalism following careful investigation. Mr Justice Alex Owens was informed that witnesses would be called from overseas, with the trial expected to span up to three weeks. The case has previously been delayed by preliminary hearings and document discovery procedures dating back to July 2020.