Move FM Global News

BELFAST, Northern Ireland: The BBC is facing criticism for failing to pay court-ordered damages to former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, months after losing a major defamation case.

Earlier this year, Adams successfully sued the broadcaster over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme and an accompanying online article, which alleged he had sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson. Adams denied any involvement.

In May, a High Court jury in Dublin ruled in Adams’s favour, awarding him 100,000 euros in damages after finding that the words in the programme and article carried that meaning. The jury also found the BBC had not acted in good faith or a fair and reasonable manner, and ordered it to cover Adams’s legal costs.

Adam Smyth, director of BBC Northern Ireland, expressed disappointment at the verdict, insisting the broadcaster had provided “extensive evidence” of a careful editorial process and journalistic diligence.

Following the ruling, the court granted the BBC a stay on paying the full amount while it considered an appeal, on the condition that it immediately pay half the damages (50,000 euros) and 250,000 euros towards Adams’s solicitors’ fees.

In June, the BBC confirmed it would not pursue an appeal. However, as of August 1, the broadcaster had not yet paid the damages.

Adams has said he intends to donate the money to charitable causes, including aid for children in Gaza, Irish language initiatives, and organisations supporting the homeless.

A source close to Adams told the PA news agency: “The delay by the BBC is deplorable and it should move speedily towards discharging the order of the court.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Total costs will be finalised and payable in due course.”