Prosecutors Claim Salman Rushdie Came “Dangerously Close” to Death in Attack Trial

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During the trial of Hadi Matar, accused of attacking author Salman Rushdie, prosecutors revealed that Rushdie survived a brutal assault that nearly killed him. Matar, a 27-year-old Lebanese-American, faces charges of attempted murder and assault for the attack on August 12, 2022, at an arts event in New York State. District Attorney Jason Schmidt reported that Matar stabbed Rushdie approximately ten times, inflicting severe injuries that resulted in loss of sight in one eye.

In court, the prosecutor detailed the attack, emphasizing its violent nature and swift execution as Matar rushed the stage. Schmidt stated that Rushdie could have easily died from the attack, citing stab wounds to critical areas including the neck and abdomen. Matar, who has linked his actions to a perceived offense against Islam, faces additional federal terrorism charges. His defense attorney sought a trial delay, which was denied. Rushdie has lived under threat since a fatwa was issued against him in 1989 following the publication of his controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses.”

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