Trial Begins for Man Accused of Stabbing Salman Rushdie

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The trial of Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old New Jersey man accused of stabbing renowned author Salman Rushdie, commenced on Monday in Mayville, New York. Matar faces charges of attempted murder and assault following the August 2022 attack at the Chautauqua Institute, where Rushdie was scheduled to deliver a lecture. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the attack, captured on video, Rushdie sustained multiple stab wounds, including injuries to his neck and abdomen, resulting in liver damage and the loss of vision in one eye. His interviewer, Henry Reese, also suffered minor injuries. Both men were treated at local hospitals soon after the incident, which was witnessed by numerous attendees.

Rushdie, who has faced death threats since the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses in 1988, will testify at the trial. Matar, born to Lebanese immigrants, has previously indicated a lack of remorse, stating he was motivated by public disdain for Rushdie. If convicted, he could face up to 32 years in prison.

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