Attacker of "The Satanic Verses" Author Salman Rushdie Charged with Attempted Murder

Hadi Matar (center), who stabbed British author Salman Rushdie with a weapon [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Hadi Matar (24), who stabbed British author Salman Rushdie (75), famous for the novel "The Satanic Verses," with a weapon, was indicted on charges of second-degree attempted murder and assault on the 13th (local time).

According to The New York Times (NYT) and others, Jason Schmidt, the district attorney of Shutterquar County, New York State, issued a statement that day saying, "The person responsible for yesterday's attack has been officially charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault," adding, "Last night, a procedure was carried out to acknowledge the charges, and he was detained without bail."

Matar rushed at Rushdie, who had taken the stage for a lecture in Shutterquar, western New York State, the previous morning, stabbing him at least once in the neck and abdomen with a weapon, causing serious injuries, and was arrested at the scene. Immediately after the attack, Rushdie was transferred to a nearby hospital in Pennsylvania and underwent surgery, but it is reported that he is unable to speak while relying on a ventilator.

Andrew Wylie, Rushdie's representative, stated that Rushdie, who has been hospitalized for two days, is expected to lose one eye, and that his arm nerves were severed and his liver damaged.

The prosecution claimed that Matar's attack was premeditated. It was reported that Matar traveled around western New York by bus and had purchased a ticket in advance to attend Rushdie's lecture the previous morning. Matar's side is pleading not guilty.

Rushdie has been threatened with death for more than 30 years due to the controversy over blasphemy against Islam caused by his 1988 novel "The Satanic Verses." This is because the then Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a de facto execution order against him to Muslims the year after its publication. It is reported that any connection between this attack and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has not yet been confirmed.

Matar, born into a Lebanese immigrant family, is originally from California but recently moved to New Jersey and was found to be residing in Fairview, Bergen County.