Salman Rushdie, the famous author of the book “The Satanic Verses”, was recently attacked in western New York. The New York Times reports that the author is likely to lose an eye, as well as spend several months in recovery, as his assailant caused vicious wounds. His liver was severely injured as well, with stabs located mainly in the abdomen and the neck.
The perpetrator’s name has not been released to the public yet, but authorities have identified him as a 24-year-old man from New Jersey. A motive has not been stated as of late, but it can be reasonably inferred that the attempted murder was likely an attempt to silence Rushdie and his views on the culture of muslim.
The Satanic Verses, long controversial, was a book that incorporated fiction into the story of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Just half a year after the book was published in 1988, the Iranian government issued a death threat on Rushdie, while asking other muslims around the world to kill him as well. The edict, also known as the fatwa edict, forced Rushdie into hiding in Britain.
Although The Satanic Verses may be controversial to muslims, the right of free speech and expression should be a guaranteed right for all. We hope Sir Rushdie makes a safe recovery in this horrific tragedy.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/08/12/nyregion/salman-rushdie-stabbed-new-york
Image Credits: REUTERS/Luke MacGregor
