"We, the undersigned writers and artists, hereby express our unequivocal support for the position which author Sally Rooney has taken in using her platform  to advocate for free speech. We vehemently reject the distortion of the definition of 'terrorism' to include non-violent manifestations of civic protest, which is one of the cornerstones of a free, democratic society. We regard the actions of the UK government in suppressing free speech and arresting those who are peacefully protesting against genocide in Gaza as an ominous threat to democracy, which must be resisted.  We therefore stand in solidarity with Sally Rooney in defence of her right, and the right of all those engaged in non-violent protest against the wholesale slaughter of civilians and genocide, to express and act on their convictions."