New York— Hadi Matar, the man who brutally attacked renowned Indian-origin author Salman Rushdie during a 2022 literary event in Chautauqua, New York, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. The sentencing, delivered on May 16, 2025, marks the culmination of a high-profile case that left the literary world shaken and Rushdie permanently injured.
Key Facts:
-
Sentencing Date: May 16, 2025, in Chautauqua County Court.
-
Charges: Attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault
-
Victims: Salman Rushdie, who lost sight in one eye, and event moderator Henry Reese, who sustained minor injuries.
The attack occurred on August 12, 2022, as Rushdie was about to speak at the Chautauqua Institution. Matar rushed the stage, stabbing Rushdie multiple times, resulting in severe injuries, including the loss of vision in one eye and damage to his hand.
During the trial, Matar showed no remorse, referring to Rushdie as a "hypocrite" and expressing support for the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, which called for Rushdie's death following the publication of his novel "The Satanic Verses."
Rushdie, now 77, testified about the traumatic experience and its lasting impact. He later detailed his recovery journey in his 2024 memoir, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder."
Do You Know? Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" led to a fatwa in 1989, forcing him into hiding for several years.
Key Terms:
-
Fatwa: A legal opinion or decree handed down by an Islamic religious leader.
-
Chautauqua Institution: A cultural center in New York known for its educational programs and lectures.
-
Concurrent Sentencing: Serving multiple sentences at the same time.