Salman Rushdie's Attacker Found Guilty of Attempted Murder and Assault

Salman Rushdie's Attacker Found Guilty of Attempted Murder

A New Jersey man, Hadi Matar, has been found guilty of attempted murder and assault for the 2022 stabbing of renowned author Salman Rushdie. The jury reached their verdict after less than two hours of deliberation.

Matar attacked Rushdie on stage at the Chautauqua Institution in New York on August 12, 2022, stabbing him multiple times in front of a live audience. The attack left the 77-year-old writer with serious injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye.

During the trial, Rushdie testified about the life-threatening injuries he sustained and the long, painful recovery process. Matar remained silent throughout the proceedings, only uttering "Free Palestine" as he was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

The prosecution presented evidence, including a slow-motion video of the attack, to argue that Matar intended to kill Rushdie. The defense countered that the evidence only showed a chaotic outburst that resulted in injury, not a premeditated attempt to kill.

Despite the defense's arguments, the jury found Matar guilty of both attempted murder and assault. He faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

The attack on Rushdie has been linked to a fatwa issued by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, following the publication of Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses." The fatwa called for Rushdie's death, leading him to live in hiding for many years.

While Iran later announced that it would not enforce the fatwa, Matar is believed to have been motivated by the edict. He faces additional charges of terrorism-related offenses in federal court.

The attack on Rushdie has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of writers and the potential for violence inspired by religious extremism. The outcome of the trial sends a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.