UK Bans Sale of Sally Rooney's Books Due to Support for Palestine Action
Sale of novelist Sally Rooney's books has been banned in the UK due to her financial support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
British booksellers found themselves embroiled in a debate over terrorism and freedom of expression after Irish novelist Sally Rooney said her books were no longer being sold in the United Kingdom because they financially support the banned group “Palestine Action.”
The announcement by Rooney’s UK publisher that it would no longer distribute her books sparked renewed controversy over the British government’s decision last year to ban Direct Action as a terrorist organization.
Rooney, 35, is the author of four critically acclaimed novels: “Conversations with Friends,” “Normal People,” “Beautiful World, Where Are You,” and “Intermezzo.” Millions of copies of her books have been sold, and the BBC has adapted both “Conversations with Friends” and “Normal People” into television series.
Rooney supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for boycotting Israeli companies, universities, and cultural institutions in protest of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Israel considers the movement an attack on the legitimacy of the Jewish state.
