Hundreds of authors, actors, and musicians have signed an open letter backing Irish novelist Sally Rooney and her publisher, Faber, demanding an immediate amendment to legislation that has halted the distribution and sale of her books in the United Kingdom.
Published in the New Statesman, the open letter warns that the withdrawal of Rooney's works from British shelves raises profound concerns regarding freedom of expression following the UK government’s official designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
"Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public," the letter stated.
High-profile signatories include authors Zadie Smith, Patrick Ness, Damian Barr, and Juno Dawson; actors Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Tilda Swinton; musician Kate Nash; filmmaker Jonathan Glazer; and Irish rap group Kneecap.
Censorship claims
The signatories characterised the removal of Rooney’s titles from bookshops as an "affront to basic principles of free speech and expression so long taken for granted in this country," directly attributing the crisis to "ill-conceived and draconian anti-terror legislation."
"We categorically reject censorship – whether direct or indirect – and urge the government to change course, amending the legislation which has led us to this point of repressive absurdity," the letter added.
Under current UK counter-terrorism laws, expressing public support or providing financial assistance to Palestine Action constitutes a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment.
Rooney previously declared she would continue donating proceeds from her book sales to the activist group, arguing that the government's proscription conflates demonstrations, civil disobedience, and vandalism at military facilities with terrorism.
Earlier this month, Rooney confirmed that Faber had determined it could "no longer supply my work within the UK," noting that the decision was reached with her full concurrence.
"I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions," she said.
"And I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences."
