Feb 21 • 17:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

‘Immensely heartened’: Sally Rooney hails Palestine Action high court ruling as victory for UK civil liberties

Sally Rooney has praised a high court ruling that deemed the ban on Palestine Action unlawful, viewing it as a win for civil liberties in the UK.

Sally Rooney has expressed her happiness regarding a recent high court ruling that deemed the prohibition of the action group Palestine Action as unlawful. This decision comes after the UK government faced a significant legal setback when three senior judges ruled that the ban on the direct action group, which targets organizations considered complicit in arming Israel, was disproportionate. The ruling is seen as a pivotal moment for civil liberties in Britain, highlighting concerns over government overreach and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

Rooney, who is a noted Irish author, contributed witness statements to support the case brought by Huda Ammori, one of the co-founders of Palestine Action. These statements were instrumental in underscoring the negative implications of the government ban on the group's ability to express its views and take action against perceived injustices. The ruling has been welcomed by many, as it reinforces the notion that support for political movements and expressions of dissent should not be stifled by government regulations aimed at curbing civil liberties.

Following the court's decision, Rooney announced her intention to use the proceeds from her literary works to support Palestine Action, further aligning herself with the movement's mission. This follows her cancellation of a recent trip to the UK due to fears of arrest, illustrating the personal risks faced by activists and supporters in their efforts to engage in political expression. The ruling not only represents a legal victory but also emboldens other activists and artists who advocate for civil rights and political justice in the UK and beyond.

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