Professor Conor Anthony Gearty KC (Hon), a distinguished human rights lawyer, academic, and barrister, passed away suddenly on 11 September 2025 at the age of 67. Born in Dublin and raised in Abbeylara, County Longford, Ireland, Gearty was renowned for his unwavering commitment to civil liberties, human rights, and the rule of law.
Educated at University College Dublin and Cambridge University, Gearty held academic positions at King’s College London and the London School of Economics (LSE), where he served as the founding Director of the Centre for Human Rights in 2002 and later as Professor of Human Rights Law. He also directed the Institute of Public Affairs at LSE from 2012 to 2016. Gearty was a founding member of Matrix Chambers and an Honorary King’s Counsel.
Throughout his career, Gearty authored nearly 20 books and numerous articles, contributing significantly to the discourse on human rights and counter-terrorism law. His final book, Homeland Insecurity: The Rise and Rise of Global Anti-Terrorism Law (2024), critically examined the evolution of anti-terrorism legislation.
Gearty is survived by his wife, law professor Aoife Nolan, his four children—Eliza, Owen, Éile, and Fiadh—and his mother, Margot. He was predeceased by his first wife, Diane Wales, who passed away in 2011.
Tributes to Gearty have poured in from across the globe, with President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland describing him as an “inspirational human rights figure” and praising his “fearless voice and advocacy” in the global fight for justice and dignity.
President of Ireland
A funeral service will be held in London, with a memorial event to follow. Details will be announced in due course.
Nà bheidh a leithéid ann arÃs.
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