A 27-year-old man has been found guilty of attempted murder for the brutal stabbing of renowned author Sir Salman Rushdie during a lecture in New York in 2022.
Hadi Matar was convicted by a jury at Chautauqua County Court on Friday, 21 February, following a trial that ended with a verdict after less than two hours of deliberations. The attack, which took place on 12 August 2022 at the Chautauqua Institution, left Sir Salman with life-altering injuries.
The 77-year-old British-American author, best known for his controversial 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, was about to begin a public lecture when Matar stormed the stage and stabbed him more than a dozen times in front of a horrified audience.
A Shocking and Violent Attack
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as audience members attempted to restrain the attacker. Sir Salman was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The attack left him blind in one eye and with limited use of one hand due to nerve damage.
In court, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including footage of the attack and testimonies from audience members who witnessed the assault. Matar was accused of planning the attack in advance, having purchased a ticket to the event and carrying a knife with the intention to harm the author.
Author’s Long-Standing Security Concerns
Sir Salman Rushdie has lived under the shadow of threats since the publication of The Satanic Verses, which prompted a fatwa calling for his death issued by Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Although the Iranian government has distanced itself from the decree in recent years, Rushdie has faced ongoing security risks.
Despite the long-standing threats, Sir Salman had begun to reduce his personal security in recent years, allowing him to participate more freely in public events like the one where the attack occurred.
Prosecution and Sentencing
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Matar was motivated by extremist ideology and a desire to harm Rushdie due to his literary works. They emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack and the brutality of Matar’s actions.
In a statement after the verdict, District Attorney Jason Schmidt said: “This was a deliberate, targeted attempt on the life of a man whose only crime was to express his thoughts and ideas. Justice has been served today.”
Matar is now facing a potential life sentence. His formal sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2025.
Global Reactions and Author’s Recovery
The attack sparked global outrage, with writers, activists, and political leaders condemning the violence against a figure who has long been a symbol of free speech.
In a statement released through his agent following the verdict, Sir Salman said: “I am grateful to the law enforcement and legal teams who pursued justice in this case. This has been a difficult period of recovery, but I remain committed to the principles of free expression.”
Despite the severity of his injuries, Sir Salman has continued to write and advocate for free speech, though he has kept a lower public profile since the attack.
The Chautauqua Institution, where the attack took place, has since overhauled its security protocols to prevent future incidents, ensuring speakers and attendees can engage in open dialogue safely.
The conviction of Hadi Matar marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for freedom of expression and a reminder of the threats faced by those who champion it.
