Gerry Adams has date fixed for defamation action against BBC

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has secured a trial date for his High Court defamation action 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 allegations were made in a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme and a subsequent article on the BBC website. Mr Adams denies any involvement in Mr Donaldson's death. The BBC denies defamation, contending the programme and publication were made in good faith and constituted responsible journalism following careful investigation. Mr Justice Alexander Owens fixed the case for trial on 29 April 2025 at the Four Courts in Dublin, with proceedings expected to last up to three weeks. The action follows preliminary hearings and discovery disputes that delayed the case.