Sally Rooney cancels UK engagements amid fears of arrest linked to Palestine Action

Irish novelist Sally Rooney, best known for "Normal People" and "Conversations with Friends", was unable to attend the Sky Arts Awards ceremony this week to collect her prize for literature, citing fears of arrest if she entered the UK.

Rooney's fourth novel, "Intermezzo", won the Sky Arts award for literature. At Tuesday's (September 16) event, her publisher Alex Bowler of Faber collected the award on her behalf and read a statement in which Rooney revealed she had been "advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest" due to her public support for the protest group Palestine Action, which was officially banned in the UK in July.

The author has since cancelled all future public appearances in Britain, saying the situation could even impact the "availability of [her] work." She explained: "Because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, I'm advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK… I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight, and to reiterate my solidarity with the people of Palestine."

Rooney had previously pledged to donate proceeds from her novels and their BBC adaptations to Palestine Action. UK legal experts have warned that this could leave her vulnerable to prosecution under the Terrorism Act 2000, which criminalises funding groups deemed terrorist organizations.

More than 1,600 people have been arrested since the group's proscription in July. Rooney condemned the crackdown as "grossly disproportionate," adding that "peaceful protesters have already been arrested in unprecedented numbers, and the ramifications for artistic and cultural life are only just beginning."

Despite the controversy, Rooney expressed gratitude for the recognition of "Intermezzo": "I truly loved writing this book, and it means the world to me that it has found a place in the lives of readers."

The author is currently seeking legal advice as she weighs the risks of continuing her outspoken support for Palestine Action.