Gerry Adams
A short while after the High Court in London upheld the decision to throw out the case against Kneecap rapper Mo Chara, now the civil case against Gerry Adams has been withdrawn.In a statement, he said he "welcomed the decision" and attended the case "out of respect" for the claimants. Adams' lawyers had argued the case was based on "an assortment of hearsay" and that it had been brought several decades too late.They also suggested it had been taken as an abuse of legal process, and that the civil action was not about trying to prove liability for the three bomb attacks, but to try to establish a much wider process which "the court is not intended to perform or is equipped to perform".Adams added; "I contested this case and defended myself against the smears and false accusations being levelled against me. I asserted the legitimacy of the Republican cause and the right of the people of Ireland to freedom and self-determination. I do so again."It seems like another case of British justice making the right decision in the end, but surely this should never have gone to court? Adams has been charged with IRA membership several times in the past but without legal success. This case boiled down to little more than hearsay and speculation from many years ago. The defence also said this case should be dismissed for being brought too late, they questioned why the three accusers waited decades to bring their case. In the end, I feel for ALL the victims of the Troubles, including all those that suffered by the actions if the IRA, The British Army, the UDA etc. This is not a day for celebration or victory speeches; it is more appropriate to remember the victims and appreciate how much has been gained by leaving the past behind and taking the hard road to peace.
Gerry Boyce ● 9h0 Comments ● 9h