Hadi Matar, the 27-year-old who attacked Sir Salman Rushdie during a lecture in New York, received a 25-year prison sentence for his actions on Friday. Matar, convicted earlier this year of attempted murder and assault, stabbed the celebrated author 15 times in August 2022, leading to partial blindness and other serious injuries. The attack, stemming from Rushdie's controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, reignited discussions about free speech and the threats against writers. Matar's sentence is the maximum for the offenses, also including an additional seven years for wounding host Henry Reese, though both sentences will be served concurrently. Matar’s statement in court criticized Rushdie, labeling him a "hypocrite." Despite his absence at sentencing, Rushdie has been vocal about his recovery journey in a memoir titled Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder. This incident, occurring 35 years after the publication of The Satanic Verses, highlights ongoing issues surrounding literary freedom and safety.
Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Attack on Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Attack on Salman Rushdie
A New Jersey man faces a lengthy prison sentence for the stabbing of acclaimed author Sir Salman Rushdie.
A New Jersey man, Hadi Matar, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the attempted murder and assault of Salman Rushdie, who suffered severe injuries in the attack.
Hadi Matar, the 27-year-old who attacked Sir Salman Rushdie during a lecture in New York, received a 25-year prison sentence for his actions on Friday. Matar, convicted earlier this year of attempted murder and assault, stabbed the celebrated author 15 times in August 2022, leading to partial blindness and other serious injuries. The attack, stemming from Rushdie's controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, reignited discussions about free speech and the threats against writers. Matar's sentence is the maximum for the offenses, also including an additional seven years for wounding host Henry Reese, though both sentences will be served concurrently. Matar’s statement in court criticized Rushdie, labeling him a "hypocrite." Despite his absence at sentencing, Rushdie has been vocal about his recovery journey in a memoir titled Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder. This incident, occurring 35 years after the publication of The Satanic Verses, highlights ongoing issues surrounding literary freedom and safety.
