In London's High Court, former Sinn Féin leader and prominent Northern Irish Republican politician during the conflict known as "the Troubles," Gerry Adams, is accused by victims of being responsible for bombings in England carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Three individuals injured in the 1973 Old Bailey court bombing in London—the IRA's first attack on the British mainland—and two 1996 blasts in Manchester and London are seeking a ruling that Adams is personally liable for these attacks as a senior member of the IRA and its Army Council.
During the court proceedings, the claimants' lawyer Max Hill asked Adams if he would discuss his involvement in the IRA if there were a truth and reconciliation process focused on the Troubles. Adams responded, "I can't talk about my involvement in the IRA because I was never involved." He denied membership in the paramilitary group, referring to them as his "neighbors," but acknowledged previously defending some of the IRA's actions based on the "broad principle that people have the right to resist occupation," drawing comparisons to Palestine and Ukraine.
The 77-year-old Adams has long faced allegations of being a member of the Provisional IRA, the military wing of the movement, including from former members, but has consistently denied these claims. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Adams served as president of Sinn Féin from 1983 to 2018 and retired from active politics in 2020.
In court, Adams stated, "I'm glad there is a peace process, but I don't distance myself from the IRA." He added that the IRA had done "dastardly things" that should not have occurred and expressed relief that the IRA has "left the stage" and "nobody else has been killed." The claimants allege that Adams "stood by the IRA" because he was a member, to which he replied that he does not stand by everything they did.
"The Troubles" refers to the largely sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland between predominantly Catholic "Republicans," who sought to secede from the UK and unite with the Republic of Ireland, and predominantly Protestant "Unionists," who favored Northern Ireland's continued status as part of the UK. Over 3,600 people were killed during the conflict. Adams' testimony highlights ongoing legal and historical controversies surrounding his role and the legacy of the IRA's campaign.
Source: www.dw.com