**Novelist Sally Rooney’s Support for Pro-Palestinian Activism Amidst Legal Challenges**
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has asserted her commitment to supporting Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian direct action group that has recently been labeled a terrorist organization by the UK government. The acclaimed author, known for her bestselling novels including “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends,” intends to leverage her literary earnings and public influence to advance what she describes as “direct action against genocide.” In an opinion piece published in the *Irish Times*, Rooney boldly stated, “if this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it.”
Rooney’s remarks coincide with the ongoing controversy regarding the government’s decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist group. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has reiterated that the group represents more than just a protest movement known for sporadic stunts, emphasizing its recent activities that have escalated tensions. She cited various instances, including vandalism and break-ins at defense companies, as grounds for the classification.
Palestine Action’s declaration as a terrorist organization occurred in July 2025, amid widespread debate regarding civil liberties and freedom of expression in the UK. The organization has garnered attention for its targeted protests against arms manufacturers, particularly in light of the ongoing violence in Gaza. Rooney’s decision to continue her support, despite the potential ramifications, positions her in stark contrast to government policies and raises concerns regarding the censorship of dissenting voices.
In her previous writings, Rooney has been vocal against suppressive measures targeting Palestine Action, describing the proscription as an “alarming attack on free speech.” Her continuous advocacy for the group even following a notable incident—when activists caused substantial damage to RAF property—demonstrates a commitment to her principles despite the risks.
The implications of supporting a proscribed organization are significant; more than 700 arrests have been documented following the government’s ban on Palestine Action, including over 500 during a recent demonstration in central London. Such mass arrests have sparked discussions about the limits of protest and the rights of citizens to express their political views.
Rooney’s past actions reveal a longstanding dedication to Palestinian rights. She previously declined to allow her work “Beautiful World, Where Are You” to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, in solidarity with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, aimed at challenging Israeli policies toward Palestinians. Her position illustrates a firm stance against perceived injustices, reinforcing her message in the Irish Times article about the UK government’s infringement on citizens’ rights.
Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised complexity around these issues. The violent escalation, which began after Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October 2023, has seen significant casualties on both sides, with numbers indicating over 61,000 Palestinian deaths reported by the Gaza health ministry, a source the United Nations regards as reliable. The context of violence and resulting humanitarian crises frames the backdrop for discussions on the moral implications of protest actions.
The UK government’s justification for its proscription of Palestine Action, highlighted by Cooper’s remarks on the group’s alleged planning of further assaults as outlined in an “Underground Manual,” paints the activists as not merely dissenters but as a substantial security threat. This characterization of the group has led to heightened scrutiny and division over the permissible boundaries of protest and the expression of political dissent.
In light of these tensions, Rooney’s management and the BBC have yet to provide formal comments on her stance and its implications. She remains an influential figure in literary and political circles, with her actions and words igniting discussions about ethical responsibility and the power dynamics surrounding international conflicts. As the discourse progresses, the intersectionality of art, politics, and justice remains a focal point, exemplified by Rooney’s unwavering support for Palestine Action despite burgeoning legal and social consequences.
