The trial of Hadi Matar, accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie in 2022, has commenced in New York. Matar, 27, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault. The attack left Rushdie blind in one eye and severely affected his hand. Matar's defense emphasizes impulsivity, while federal authorities connect him to Hezbollah, indicating a deeper motivation behind the assault linked to a longstanding fatwa against Rushdie since the release of The Satanic Verses in 1988. Rushdie's memoir details his recovery journey following the attack, underscoring its lasting impact on his life.
Matar's public defender argued that the attack was impulsive and not premeditated, asserting that Matar is not guilty of the charges against him.
The fatwa against Rushdie, issued by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, called for his assassination due to perceived blasphemy in his novel The Satanic Verses.
Rushdie’s memoir, Knife, chronicles his experiences post-attack and highlights the profound physical and emotional toll the incident has had on his life.
Federal authorities allege that Matar had connections to Hezbollah, claiming he provided material support to the group in a bid to fulfill the fatwa.
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