LONDON, U.K.: Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams appeared at London's High Court on ‌March 9 for a civil lawsuit aiming to make him responsible for Irish Republican Army bombings in Britain.

It is a case that could affect the legacy of the prominent leader.

Gerry Adams became the leader of Sinn Féin in 1983, when the party was widely seen as the political wing of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). He became one of the main public figures in the campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

Later, Adams presented himself as a peacemaker after helping to secure the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The agreement largely ended about 30 years of violent conflict known as The Troubles.

Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA. However, for many years, he has faced accusations — including from some former members of the group — that he was involved in its campaign of violence.

The 77-year-old is now being sued by people who were injured in three bombings: one at Old Bailey in London in 1973, and two explosions in 1996 in London and Manchester.

The three people bringing the case are asking for symbolic damages of 1 pound ($1.33). They also want the court to rule that, based on the balance of probabilities, Adams was a senior member of the IRA during the years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

Their lawyer, Anne Studd, told the court at the start of the trial that Adams was deeply involved in the IRA and should be considered as responsible for the attacks as the people who planted and set off the bombs.

However, Adams' lawyers say there is no reliable evidence to support the claim that he was a senior member of the IRA.

Adams attended court wearing a Palestinian flag pin and is expected to give evidence later this week.

After helping persuade the IRA and many Catholics in Northern Ireland to support the Good Friday Agreement, Adams served in the Northern Ireland Assembly and later in the Irish parliament. He stepped down as leader of Sinn Féin in 2018.