Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams testified in an English courtroom regarding his alleged role in IRA bombings, marking the first time the 77-year-old has been questioned about such claims in this legal setting.

Three men are seeking a court ruling that would hold Adams personally liable for injuries they sustained in explosions that occurred in London and Manchester. The civil case centers on claims linking Adams to IRA operations during the period when these bombings took place.

During his testimony, Adams denied ever having been a member of the IRA. The former Sinn Fein leader has consistently maintained this position throughout his political career, despite longstanding allegations about his involvement with the organization.

The civil trial represents a significant legal challenge for Adams, who served as president of Sinn Fein, the political wing associated with the Irish republican movement, for decades. The case focuses specifically on whether Adams can be held personally responsible for damages resulting from the bombings.

The proceedings mark a notable moment in the ongoing legal reckoning with the legacy of the Troubles, the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland. Adams played a prominent role in the peace process that culminated in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended the violence.

The outcome of this civil case could have broader implications for how historical claims related to paramilitary activities during the Troubles are pursued through the courts.