US jury convicts man on terror charges for stabbing that gravely wounded Salman Rushdie

A U.S. jury has convicted Hadi Matar on federal terrorism charges related to the 2022 stabbing of British author Salman Rushdie, which left the writer seriously injured. The verdict came on Wednesday after just a few hours of deliberation, finding Matar guilty of all counts, including engaging in an act of transnational terrorism. The attack occurred during a public speaking event in Chautauqua, New York, where Rushdie was set to address issues of writers' safety. He was slashed 15 times on an amphitheater stage, suffering severe injuries that resulted in permanent vision loss in his right eye. Matar, 28, is already serving a 25-year prison sentence in New York state for an attempted murder conviction tied to the same incident. His upcoming federal sentencing is scheduled for November 3, where he could face a life term. The prosecution argued that Matar acted under the influence of a 1989 fatwa issued by the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which called for Rushdie’s death due to his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses. The book, which includes a controversial dream sequence involving the Prophet Muhammad, sparked widespread protests and violence, including attacks on translators and publishers. During the trial, defense attorney Nathaniel Barone emphasized that the government lacked evidence proving Matar’s intent. Matar himself chose not to testify, while Rushdie gave a detailed account of the attack, stating he could not determine Matar’s motivations but noted the severity of the wounds inflicted. The defense maintained that there was no conclusive proof linking Matar directly to the fatwa or to the broader context of anti-Rushdie sentiment. The case has drawn attention to the long-standing controversy surrounding The Satanic Verses, which has been a flashpoint for tensions between free speech advocates and religious communities. The novel, written by Rushdie, blends magical realism with themes of identity and religion. It received critical acclaim in the UK but provoked outrage in parts of the Muslim world, leading to violent demonstrations and targeted attacks. At least 45 people died in related riots, and several individuals connected to the book were assaulted or murdered. Rushdie, who was born into a Muslim family, spent years in hiding following the issuance of the fatwa. He emerged publicly in 1998 after Iran’s government distanced itself from Khomeini’s decree. However, the fatwa was never officially revoked, and its successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reaffirmed its validity in 2017. An Iranian foundation has since offered a reward exceeding $3 million for Rushdie’s assassination. Despite this, Rushdie has lived openly in the UK for much of the past two decades, though he has occasionally spoken about the ongoing threats he faces. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Matar had been influenced by the fatwa. Court exhibits revealed messages exchanged via messaging apps in 2021 and 2022, in which Matar expressed frustration over Rushdie’s survival and alleged that the author had insulted Islam. These messages referenced comments made by the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had previously criticized Rushdie. Matar, a U.S. citizen with Lebanese nationality, was also linked to Hezbollah through photographs and digital content found in his New Jersey home. Prosecutors stated that Matar had spent months planning the attack, aiming to execute Rushdie as a form of retribution. The outcome of the trial underscores the complex intersection of international politics, religious ideology, and personal motives. While the U.S. government asserts that the attack was part of a broader pattern of Iranian-inspired terrorism, Iran has consistently denied any involvement in the incident. As Matar prepares for his federal sentencing, the case continues to highlight the enduring impact of The Satanic Verses and the ongoing risks faced by authors and activists who challenge deeply held beliefs.