Celebrated Palestine Movement – Could Face Terror Charges

The acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney dared not travel to London to personally receive an award. – I have been advised to avoid the UK to prevent arrest, she explains, after supporting an organization the British government equates with al-Qaida and IS.

Sally Rooney, 34, made her breakthrough as an author in her early 20s with the novels "Conversations with Friends" and "Normal People." Both books were praised by critics and readers alike and have been adapted into miniseries.

However, the author has also been noted for her repeated support for Palestine. In the UK, she could even be arrested – for terrorism. All because of whom Sally Rooney has chosen to support financially.

When her latest novel was awarded at a gala in London this week, Rooney dared not attend to receive the prize.

Palestine Movement Classified as Terrorist

The reason can be traced back to earlier this year when the organization Palestine Action was classified as a terrorist group in the UK after breaking into a British military base and vandalizing two aircraft. The action reportedly caused damages amounting to nearly 100 million Swedish kronor.

The classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist group means they are equated with groups like al-Qaida or IS. Raza Husain KC, a lawyer for Palestine Action, called the ban "ill-considered" and an "authoritarian abuse of power."

– This is the first time in history that a group engaged in civil disobedience, and not advocating violence, has been banned, he explains according to the BBC.

The group itself claims they engage in civil disobedience by targeting Israeli and Israel-linked companies in the UK. But a terrorist classification is a terrorist classification, and under British law, it is now illegal to be a member or show support for the group – and can result in up to 14 years in prison. Wearing clothes or badges linked to the group can result in up to six months in prison.

The decision has led to repeated protests in several parts of the UK. Recently, 150 people were arrested at a protest in support of Palestine Action. In August, over 500 people were arrested, with attention drawn to the fact that half were over sixty years old.

Sally Rooney Supports Palestine Action with Royalty Money

So, how does this affect Sally Rooney? Here's how: she plans to donate royalty earnings to support Palestine Action. In an op-ed in the Irish Times this summer, she announced the decision under the headline "I support Palestine Action, if that means I support terrorism under British law – so be it."

In her text, Rooney criticizes the British government both for its anti-terror legislation and for not labeling Israel's war in Gaza as genocide.

When Rooney was awarded a Sky Arts Award for literature for her latest novel "Interezzo," her publisher Alex Bowler appeared in her place. Bowler read a statement from the author who chose to stay home in Ireland.

– I wish I could be with you tonight to personally receive this award, but due to my support for non-violent anti-war protests, I have been told it is no longer safe for me to travel to the UK without risking arrest, Rooney says in the statement.

In total, 1,600 people have been arrested in the UK after showing support for Palestine Action in various ways.