The distribution of books by Irish author Sally Rooney has been suspended in the United Kingdom after her decision to donate future royalties to the pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action, reigniting debate over freedom of expression, anti-terrorism legislation and solidarity with Palestine.

Rooney, one of Ireland's best-known contemporary writers, has become a prominent supporter of Palestinian rights in recent years. Her decision to direct future royalty income to Palestine Action prompted her British publisher, Faber, to suspend distribution of her works in the UK, citing potential legal implications under Britain's anti-terrorism legislation.

The move has drawn criticism from writers, booksellers and civil liberties advocates, who argue that the decision raises broader concerns about censorship and political expression related to Palestine.

Distribution suspended over legal concerns

Faber said the decision followed Rooney's announcement that she intended to donate future royalties to Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the British government in July 2025.

According to the publisher, continuing to distribute the author's books under those circumstances could expose the company to legal risks under existing counterterrorism laws.

Rooney endorsed the decision, saying she had never concealed either her political beliefs or her intentions and was prepared to accept the consequences of her position.

The 35-year-old author, whose four novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and inspired successful television adaptations, has long supported Palestinian rights and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Debate over freedom of expression

The British government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action has remained controversial, with critics arguing that the measure could restrict peaceful political activism and freedom of expression.

Under British law, membership in or support for a proscribed organization can carry prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Since the ban took effect, thousands of demonstrators have staged protests across the country in support of Palestine Action. According to reports, more than 3,000 people have been arrested and over 1,200 have been charged under anti-terrorism legislation. At the time of writing, no convictions related to those charges had been reported.

The arrests have included elderly demonstrators, further fueling criticism from civil liberties organizations.

The British government maintains that Palestine Action has engaged in terrorist activities, encouraged unlawful actions and posed a threat to public safety. Officials insist that the ban does not prevent lawful demonstrations in support of Palestine.

Legal experts and rights advocates, however, continue to question whether designating an organization as a terrorist group should effectively criminalize broader political support or public expression connected to it.

Booksellers voice concern

Faber's announcement also created uncertainty for booksellers across the UK.

Following discussions with the publisher, the Booksellers Association said retailers could continue selling existing stock but would not be able to obtain new supplies while distribution remained suspended.

Some independent bookstores attempted to secure additional copies before supplies were exhausted, although many reported difficulties because stocks had already become limited.

Booksellers described the move as an unprecedented development involving one of the country's most widely read contemporary authors and warned that it could have wider implications for publishing and freedom of expression.

Long-standing support for Palestine

Rooney has consistently supported the BDS movement, which calls for boycotts of Israeli institutions and companies over their policies toward Palestinians.

Palestine Action, founded in 2020, says it seeks to end Britain's military support for the Israel regime. The group accuses the Israel regime of committing genocide against Palestinians while maintaining that it does not advocate violence against individuals.

Its most prominent actions have included damaging equipment at facilities linked to Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Britain and spraying red paint on Royal Air Force aircraft during a protest in 2025.

Lawyers representing the group are expected to challenge the ban before the High Court.

The suspension of Rooney's books has intensified debate over the balance between national security legislation and freedom of expression, with critics arguing that the case illustrates increasing pressure on public expressions of solidarity with Palestine.(ILKHA)