From NPR · · 2m
Sally Rooney's books pulled from UK shelves over Palestinian Action support
The Irish author's publisher stops selling her work in Britain after she pledged to donate proceeds to a group the UK designated a terrorist organization.
In brief
The Irish author's publisher stops selling her work in Britain after she pledged to donate proceeds to a group the UK designated a terrorist organization. Sally Rooney's UK publisher has stopped selling her books because UK law prevents them from passing earnings to her after she pledged to donate proceeds to…
Rooney's books pulled from UK sale
Irish author Sally Rooney's publisher Faber has stopped selling her books in the UK in any format. UK law prevents the publisher from passing on her earnings to her.
Why the law blocks her earnings
Rooney pledged to donate book proceeds to Palestinian Action, which the UK banned under terrorism legislation. Under UK law, providing financial assistance to the group risks up to fourteen years in prison.
Rooney's stance on Gaza
The thirty-five-year-old author has said she believes Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. She announced last year she would donate funds from her books to Palestinian Action.
What Palestinian Action does
The UK-based group uses disruptive tactics against corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex. It has targeted Israeli weapons manufacturer facilities and broke into Britain's largest air force base.
Why the UK banned the group
The British government banned Palestinian Action in July last year on grounds of serious property damage. It was the first terrorist designation given to an organization that does not call for violence against people.
Critics question the ban
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged the UK to rescind the decision, saying it appears disproportionate and limits rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Amnesty International raised similar concerns.
“It limits the rights of many people involved with and supportive of Palestine Action who have not themselves engaged in any underlying criminal activity but rather exercised their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
Rooney accepts the consequences
The Normal People author has stopped traveling to the UK for award ceremonies and events since the law came into force. She says she is wholly prepared to accept the consequences of her stance.
“I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences.”
The ban faces legal challenge
The UK high court ruled against the Palestinian Action ban in February, but a court of appeal overturned that decision. The case heads to Britain's highest court next month.
The big picture
Sally Rooney's UK publisher has stopped selling her books because UK law prevents them from passing earnings to her after she pledged to donate proceeds to Palestinian Action, which Britain banned as a terrorist organization.
