UK's Palestine Action Ban Takes Toll on Free Speech, Says Bestselling Author Sally Rooney
A recent high court case has highlighted the chilling impact of the UK government's ban on Palestine Action, with bestselling author Sally Rooney warning that she may be unable to publish new work in the country due to her public support for the group. The Irish author, known for novels such as Normal People and Conversations with Friends, testified that the proscription, which was imposed in 2021, has created a "truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression".
Rooney stated that if Palestine Action remains proscribed, her books could disappear from UK stores altogether, even though they would be available for readers worldwide. The author's stance on the group, which advocates for human rights and anti-occupation, has led to a significant degree of uncertainty in her ability to publish new work.
The case, which is being fought by Palestine Action supporters, including UN special rapporteur Ben Saul, raises questions about the UK government's definition of terrorism and its impact on freedom of expression. The court heard submissions from both sides, with the home secretary arguing that parliament has the right to define terrorism, which includes serious damage to property.
The ban on Palestine Action has sparked widespread condemnation, with many accusing the UK government of infringing upon the rights of peaceful protesters. The case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to combating extremism and terrorism, one that balances security concerns with the protection of human rights and free speech.
As the judicial review proceedings continue, Rooney's words serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of such policies on artistic expression and the right to dissent.
A recent high court case has highlighted the chilling impact of the UK government's ban on Palestine Action, with bestselling author Sally Rooney warning that she may be unable to publish new work in the country due to her public support for the group. The Irish author, known for novels such as Normal People and Conversations with Friends, testified that the proscription, which was imposed in 2021, has created a "truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression".
Rooney stated that if Palestine Action remains proscribed, her books could disappear from UK stores altogether, even though they would be available for readers worldwide. The author's stance on the group, which advocates for human rights and anti-occupation, has led to a significant degree of uncertainty in her ability to publish new work.
The case, which is being fought by Palestine Action supporters, including UN special rapporteur Ben Saul, raises questions about the UK government's definition of terrorism and its impact on freedom of expression. The court heard submissions from both sides, with the home secretary arguing that parliament has the right to define terrorism, which includes serious damage to property.
The ban on Palestine Action has sparked widespread condemnation, with many accusing the UK government of infringing upon the rights of peaceful protesters. The case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to combating extremism and terrorism, one that balances security concerns with the protection of human rights and free speech.
As the judicial review proceedings continue, Rooney's words serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of such policies on artistic expression and the right to dissent.
This whole situation is just so worrying... the UK government's ban on Palestine Action has got to go. I mean, if it's impacting someone like Sally Rooney who's not even a radical activist, but just a writer who believes in human rights & anti-occupation, that's super concerning. It sets this really bad precedent where people are going to start self-censoring themselves just to avoid being proscribed or banned. 
It's not just about the government's definition of terrorism either, it's also about freedom of expression & what's considered acceptable dissent. We should be able to speak up against injustice without fear of repercussions. 
This case needs to get more attention from the public & media so we can have a real discussion about what's going on here! 
can u even imagine not being able to publish ur own work because ur opinions are considered "extreme" 
like what even is that?? its literally a form of censorship and its so unfair that these ppl have to live with the consequences of speaking out against injustice. i mean sally rooney is literally a bestselling author and she's still having to worry about her books being removed from shelves because of her views 
its like, what's next? are we gonna start policing people's thoughts too?? 
this case just highlights how out of touch our gov is when it comes to free speech and human rights. i mean ben saul is a un special rapporteur for crying out loud! he knows what hes talking about 
. It's like, what's next? Banning authors who write about social justice issues? 
. Newsflash: freedom of speech isn't a luxury, it's a basic human right 
! We should be able to express our opinions without being judged or punished.
?
. Let's keep fighting for our right to express ourselves and be heard 
!
just read about this UK court case where a bestselling author is worried she can't publish in the country anymore 
doesn't that go against human rights or something? 
. We need more nuanced policies that balance security concerns with human rights and free speech, not less 
.
.
.
We need to be able to express ourselves without fear of reprisal or prosecution. That's what we call a free society, ain't it? 
. I mean, if Sally Rooney can't even express her opinions without fear of repercussions, what does that say about the state of our democracy? 
I'm not saying Palestine Action is doing anything wrong, but the government's response is just too extreme. 
We need to have a more nuanced conversation about terrorism and extremism, one that doesn't trample on our right to dissent. 
