Hadi Matar, the man suspected of stabbing the 'Satanic Verses' author with a knife, has been charged with attempted murder, but he denies any wrongdoing.
- August 14, 2022
AceShowbiz - The man arrested in the attack on Sir Salman Rushdie has entered a not-guilty plea to attempted murder. A lawyer representing Hadi Matar, 24, denied the charge during an arraignment hearing on Saturday after he was formally charged with attempted murder after the author was attacked on stage in Chautauqua, New York state, on Friday (12.08.22).
"The individual responsible for the attack, Hadi Matar, has now been formally charged with attempted murder in the second degree and assault in the second degree", Jason Schmidt, the Chautauqua County District Attorney, said prior to the hearing.
The police believe that the suspect was acting alone. However, Schmidt confirmed that the state and federal authorities are still looking at whether any additional charges can be added.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wylie - the agent of "The Satanic Verses" author - has confirmed that Rushdie is on a ventilator and unable to speak. Revealing the extent of Rushdie's injuries, he said in a statement, "Salman will likely lose one eye; the nerves in his arm were severed; and his liver was stabbed and damaged."
The Indian-born novelist rose to fame in the 1980s when his book "Midnight's Children" sold over one million copies in the UK alone. However, his fourth book, "The Satanic Verses", forced him into hiding for a decade amid accusations that the controversial novel was blasphemous.
The book prompted anti-Rushdie riots in India and protests in various other locations around the world. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, even called for Rushdie's execution and he offered $3 million as a reward.
Rushdie was born to non-practising Muslims and is now an atheist. He has also frequently spoken out in support of freedom of expression, despite ongoing criticism of his work.
