UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney’s novels are withdrawn because she supports Palestine Action

British bookstores are grappling with controversy surrounding Irish novelist Sally Rooney, whose books have been banned in the UK due to her financial support for the banned group Palestine Action. Rooney, a best-selling author known for her novels "Conversations with Friends," "Normal People," "Beautiful World, Where are You," and "Intermezzo," supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

However, the UK government outlawed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization last year, making her support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Faber, Rooney's UK publisher, decided not to distribute her books in the UK, citing potential violation of the terror ban. The publisher stated that this decision was made with Rooney’s agreement. British bookstores are now left with a dilemma, as they cannot order Rooney's books in the future, but they can still sell their existing stock.

Civil liberties groups argue that the ban unjustly restricts free speech and protest rights, while the Home Office maintains that the proscription is necessary to prevent the promotion of violence. The situation has led to calls for legal action and debate over the limits of free speech and the definition of terrorism.