Irish author Sally Rooney, known worldwide for her bestselling novels, could face arrest under the UK’s Terrorism Act after announcing her plan to use the earnings from her work to support Palestine Action. The group was recently banned in the UK as a terrorist organisation.
Rooney, whose works include ‘Normal People’, ‘Conversations with Friends’, ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’, and her latest ‘Intermezzo’, revealed her intentions in an article for the ‘Irish Times’ over the weekend.
She stated that royalties from her books and television adaptations aired by the BBC would be directed toward Palestine Action. The group has been linked to protests and direct action campaigns.
“More than 700 people have been arrested in connection with this group. It has been facing a ban since early July,” a legal expert told the media. Many arrests happened during a peaceful protest at Parliament Square in London on 9 August. The expert warned that by openly stating her support and financial backing, Rooney could risk legal consequences. They are under the UK’s strict anti-terrorism laws.
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In her article, Rooney explained her reasoning. She wrote, “My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets. In recent years, the UK’s state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels. And therefore regularly pays me residual fees. I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.”
Rooney also highlighted the restrictions she faces under UK law. She noted that publishing a similar statement in a UK newspaper would now be illegal.