Matt PichtGerry Adams, the leader of Ireland's Sinn Fein political party, has been released from police custody without charges after being questioned about a 42-year-old murder reportedly committed by the Irish Republican Army.
"Let me be very clear: I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Jean McConville." (Via BBC)
Adams was arrested Thursday and interrogated by police for his alleged role in Jean McConville's murder in 1972 during the height of the Troubles, which pitted Irish separatists against loyalists supporting British rule. (Via Channel 4)
An instrumental figure in the peace process ending the Troubles, Adams has often been accused of being a member of the IRA, and of ordering McConville's murder. He's vehemently denied all allegations against him.
The Sinn Fein leader was released Sunday after four days of interrogation and political outcry. Loyalist demonstrators protesting Adams' release picketed the gates of the police station, forcing the politician to exit through the back gate. (Via RTE)
Adams' arrest has reopened old wounds between Northern Ireland's political factions. Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness called the arrest politically motivated, and even threatened to stop supporting the peace agreement if Adams continued to be detained. (Via The Telegraph)
In response, first minister and opposition executive Peter Robinson accused Sinn Fein of a "despicable, thuggish attempt to blackmail" Ireland's police force, and said the investigation "must not be the subject of republican bullyboy tactics." (Via The Guardian)
Police have sent a file detailing the results of Adams' interrogation to the public prosecutor's office, which must now decide whether or not to file any charges against him.
