Irish novelist Sally Rooney, author of bestsellers including "Normal People" and "Intermezzo," has stated she will continue to support Palestine Action, despite the group being proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. Rooney said she intends to use the earnings from her work and her public platform to "go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide." Writing in the Irish Times, she stated, "if this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it."

Her remarks come as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has again defended the proscription of Palestine Action, saying it is more than "a regular protest group known for occasional stunts." Palestine Action is a British pro-Palestinian direct action group that was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the government in July. Their activities have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza. In 2021, Rooney refused to allow "Beautiful World, Where Are You" to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, which she said was in support of calls to boycott Israel over its policies towards Palestinians.

Regional Perspective

In the UK and Ireland, renowned author Sally Rooney's stance in supporting a proscribed organisation has sparked debate regarding the balance between freedom of expression and backing political movements deemed terrorist by the government. Her refusal to have her work translated into Hebrew and her commitment to financially support "Palestine Action" highlights a growing tension between artistic expression and state security policy. The group's proscription and the subsequent arrests of over 700 people since July 5th underscore escalating tensions. The Home Secretary's statements point to disturbing information regarding the group's planning of future attacks, including a detailed manual on identifying and attacking targets and evading law enforcement, significantly complicating the legal and cultural landscape.

Analysis

Sally Rooney's continued support for "Palestine Action," despite its proscription in the UK, could have profound implications for the cultural and creative landscape. Rooney's willingness to face legal consequences, including being labelled a "supporter of terror," highlights the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals in expressing their political views in an environment of tightening laws. This stance may lead to further divisions within the cultural sphere, with some viewing her support as a courageous act for free speech, while others consider it endorsement of a violent organisation. In the long term, this tension could impact cultural exchange and international relations, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It may also fuel broader discussions about the role of artists in political affairs and the effect of government policies on freedom of expression and creativity.