The case centers on Gerry Adams denying involvement with the Provisional IRA and contesting the claims in the London High Court, with his evidence expected on Friday as the seven‑day trial unfolds.

Adams appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice in a notable, bullet‑proof style, defending the claim in person as proceedings begin.

Two plaintiffs’ witnesses will testify anonymously from behind screens, with one reportedly fearing danger due to alleged ongoing activity by the Provisional IRA or related groups.

Adams, 77, arrived at the court wearing a grey waistcoat and red patterned tie shortly before the morning session began.

The claimants are seeking nominal damages of 1 pound and a finding that Adams was a senior Provisional IRA member on the balance of probabilities.

The civil trial is before Mr Justice Swift at the Royal Courts of Justice in London and is expected to run for about a week.

Adams is 77, wore a Palestinian flag pin in court, and is expected to testify later in the week.

Adams’ legal team argues he contributed to Northern Ireland’s peace through the Good Friday Agreement and that the claim is time‑barred or meritless, maintaining there is no basis for involvement.

A separate attempt to sue the Provisional IRA as an entity was rejected by the judge, who ruled it is not a legal entity.

Three bombing victims are suing Adams in Britain's High Court for a nominal one‑pound claim.

Lawyers for the claimants sought to broaden the witness list, a move the judge approved, signaling ongoing evidentiary developments.

The claim alleges Adams was a leading Provisional IRA member and part of its Army Council around bombing campaigns in 1973, 1996 Docklands, and 1996 Manchester Arndale.