Irish author Sally Rooney was unable to attend the Sky Arts awards ceremony on Tuesday to collect her literature prize due to concerns she could be arrested if she entered the UK. The author of Normal People won for her fourth novel, Intermezzo.
In a statement read out by her publisher, Alex Bowler, Rooney said she had been advised she could no longer safely enter the UK without risking arrest because of her support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July. She has cancelled all future public engagements in Britain.
Rooney previously announced that she intends to use proceeds from her works to support Palestine Action. Lawyer Sadakat Kadri said that receiving money with the intention of using it to support terrorism could be an offence, meaning Rooney could be arrested as a 'terrorist'.
More than 1,600 people have been arrested in connection with Palestine Action since the ban. Rooney said she is seeking legal advice about issues that could affect the availability of her work, adding that she believes Palestine Action's work is 'courageous and important'.
