Irish writer Sally Rooney told the High Court that she may no longer be able to publish new books in the UK. She also said her current books might have to be taken off shelves because the UK government has banned Palestine Action under terrorism laws.
Rooney explained that these rules could stop her British publisher and even the BBC from paying her royalties. She said they fear the payments might be seen as support for terrorism.
In August, she said she wanted to use her royalty money to support Palestine Action.
The group was banned in July after the home secretary said it had caused heavy damage to property. The group’s co-founder is now fighting the ban, saying it harms the right to protest.
Rooney, known for Normal People, which became a major BBC show, has spoken up against the ban.
In statements given to the court, she said she believes Israel has carried out genocide in Gaza. She described Palestine Action’s activities as part of a long history of civil disobedience, where people break laws to protest.
She added that she has spoken in favor of direct action before, even acts that damage property, in the fight for climate justice. She said she feels the same actions are fair in trying to stop what she sees as genocide.
Israel has strongly denied these claims and says its actions in Gaza are for self-defence.
Rooney told the court the ban has created serious problems for her as an author. It may block her from receiving payments for her work.
She said the company behind the BBC adaptations of her books warned her that paying her royalties could be a crime if they suspect she plans to send money to Palestine Action.
Because of this, Rooney said it is unclear if any UK company can still pay her.
She also warned that if her publisher, Faber & Faber, cannot pay her royalties, her books may have to be taken out of UK shops. She said her books are well-read in Britain, and losing them from stores would be a serious blow to artistic freedom.
Rooney added that while the ban stays in place, she is almost sure she cannot release new books in the UK.
She has already said she does not think she can visit the UK anymore because of her support for Palestine Action. She questioned if she could ever speak at events or work with British groups like the BBC again.
The hearing will continue on Thursday, with more submissions expected next week
