Hundreds sign letter supporting Irish author Sally Rooney, Faber over UK restrictions

Hundreds of authors, actors and musicians have signed an open letter supporting Irish author Sally Rooney and her publisher, Faber, demanding an amendment to legislation that has prevented the sale of her books in the UK, Anadolu reports.

The letter, which was published in the New Statesman, argues that the decision to stop distributing Rooney’s works in the UK raises concerns about freedom of expression following the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terror organization.

“Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public,” said the letter.

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 the Irish rap group Kneecap.

The letter describes removing Rooney’s books from shelves as an “affront to basic principles of free speech and expression so long taken for granted in this country,” and attributes the decision 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,” it added.

Public support for Palestine Action and financial assistance to the group can constitute criminal offenses punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the legislation that designated it a terror organization.

Rooney previously said she would continue donating proceeds from her books to Palestine Action, arguing that the designation equated acts of vandalism, demonstrations and disruptions at military bases with terror crimes.

Earlier this month, Rooney said Faber had determined it could “no longer supply my work within the UK,” and that the decision had been made with her full agreement.

“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.”