The Northern Island police has released Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams after being in their custody for 4 days.
Last week, Adams agreed to turn himself in for questioning. The authorities questioned Adams about his alleged involvement in the 1972 abduction and killing of Jean McConville, a widow with 10 children suspected of being a British spy.
Adams has long been involved with the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Today, he is the leader of Ireland’s second-biggest opposition party, Sinn Fein.
Prior to Adams’ release Sinn Fein supporters gathered in protest
After his release from police custody, Adams stated, “Let me be very clear: I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill, or bury Mrs. McConville.” Adams came out escorted from the back entrance of the building to avoid protesters who were waiting outside.
Adams was questioned, as there were allegations of his involvement in McConville’s case that came up from recorded messages left by IRA veterans who agreed to speak only if the recordings were to be released upon their death.
According to testimonies on the tapes, Adams was the mastermind behind McConville’s abduction and killing. McConville’s body was found in 2003, and the police did not have any leads until the testimonies from the tapes were released.
Adams also said that the only way to go is forward. He admits that he is an activist and he understands that he has detractors that will do anything to bring down Sinn Fein. Amidst all of these, he said that he holds no grudge against anyone.
“My resolve remains as strong as ever, that is to build the peace, not to let this put us off, it’s our future, the past is the past,” Adams said in a news conference.
When asked about how his stay in prison was, Adams said that it was okay. He also said the food they served him was inedible and that the facility where he was detained did not live up to modern standards.
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