Sally Rooney Prevented from Collecting Prize Due to Arrest Threat Linked to Activist Group Backing
Acclaimed writer Sally Rooney could not travel to collect a major literary prize this week due to concerns that she might face detainment if she entered the UK, given her public support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Prize Honor for Newest Book
Rooney won the Sky Arts literature prize for her fourth novel, called Intermezzo. During the ceremony on Tuesday, attendees were told that Rooney “couldn’t be here”, and her editor, Alex Bowler, accepted the honor on her behalf.
Message Shared at Event
Bowler read a message from Rooney, in which she explained that due to her support for “non-violent anti-war protest”, she had been advised that she could not enter without risk the UK without possibly being detained.
“I’m so moved and thankful to receive this award,” the author’s message began. “I truly loved writing Intermezzo and it matters greatly to me to think that it has found some meaningful role in the lives of its readers – thank you.”
“I wish that I could be with you this night to accept the honour in person, but because of my solidarity for non-violent anti-war protest, I’m advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without possibly facing arrest,” the statement continued. “In that context, I want to thank you all the more sincerely for honouring my work tonight, and to restate my belief in the value and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
Background Context
In late summer, Rooney announced that she intends to donate proceeds from her works, which include such as Normal People and Conversations with Friends, along with adaptations of them, to aid Palestine Action. The group was classified as a banned entity in the UK in mid-summer.
Legal experts have noted that providing financial support to a proscribed group might be viewed as an illegal act under current legislation, potentially resulting in prosecution immediately.
Since the proscription in early July, more than over sixteen hundred people have been arrested in connection with actions linked to Palestine Action.
