Gerry Adams criticizes UK government's plan to block compensation for illegal internment

Gerry Adams has condemned the UK government's plan to block compensation for people interned without trial during the Troubles, calling it vindictive and unlawful. The former Sinn Féin president criticized the move as an attempt to rewrite history and defy the Supreme Court. The Government aims to stop payouts to those, including Adams, whose detention was ruled unlawful by the UK's highest court. Adams stated that the British government's decision to retrospectively make past illegal actions lawful is not surprising and deepens the original injustice endured by the internees. The fresh legislation follows a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that found nearly 400 individuals, including Adams, were unlawfully detained in the 1970s due to missing personal authorization by the Secretary of State for their detention orders.

ICOs were emergency detention orders introduced during the Troubles, allowing authorities to detain suspects without trial. The law required these orders to be personally signed by the Secretary of State, a step missed in many cases, including Adams's. The attempt to retroactively validate ICOs was struck down by the High Court in Belfast in 2024. Now, the UK government plans to rewrite the law to prevent compensation payments. The Carltona principle, allowing civil servants to act on behalf of ministers, will be used to justify retrospectively validating ICOs.

The DUP supports the move, stating that it is right to ensure Adams does not receive taxpayer money. Adams, denying IRA membership, believes the planned law change compounds the injustice suffered by internees. Legal and human rights groups may challenge the legislation if passed, citing concerns about the use of retroactive laws to neutralize court judgments and deny victims redress. Adams criticized the British government for rewriting laws for political convenience, calling it political manipulation disguised as legality.

The bill is expected to be presented to Parliament later this year.

According to the source: The Journal.