Hadi Matar Found Guilty of Terrorism in Salman Rushdie Stabbing
A New York jury has convicted Hadi Matar on federal terrorism charges for the brutal 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie, a case that echoes the fatwa issued decades ago by Iran’s late leader. The verdict, reached after just hours of deliberation, marks a significant moment in the fight against transnational extremism.
Matar, 28, was found guilty of engaging in an act of transnational terrorism. He is already serving a 25-year state sentence for attempted murder. His federal sentencing is set for November 3, where he faces life in prison.
Why Was Salman Rushdie Attacked?
Prosecutors argued that Matar was inspired by the 1989 fatwa from Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who called for Rushdie’s death over his novel “The Satanic Verses.” The book, a work of magical realism, sparked outrage among some Muslims for a dream sequence they considered blasphemous. Rushdie, born into a Muslim family, has said the sequence was just that, but the fatwa was never rescinded.
“His brutal attack on Mr. Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism,” said Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg. Iran’s government has denied involvement.
What Happened at the Trial?
During the trial, prosecutors presented Matar’s messages from 2021 and 2022, where he discussed the fatwa and expressed anger that Rushdie had “emboldened others to insult Islam.” In a private note, he wrote, “We need to kill him ASAP,” framing it as part of a jihad. Defense lawyer Nathaniel Barone argued there was no proof of Matar’s state of mind, but the jury disagreed.
Rushdie testified, telling jurors, “I can’t say what his ambitions or his aim was, but the wounds were dispersed across my body.” He lost sight in his right eye from the attack.
How Did the Attack Unfold?
On August 12, 2022, Rushdie was about to speak on writers’ safety at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York. As the host introduced him, Matar climbed onto the stage and stabbed him 15 times. Spectators and another speaker, Henry Reese, rushed to help, and law enforcement arrested Matar after civilians restrained him.
Matar had spent months planning, tracking Rushdie’s public appearances and home address through electronic chats.
What Is the Broader Context of the Fatwa?
The fatwa led to decades of violence. At least 45 people died in riots over the book. A Japanese translator was stabbed to death, and an Italian translator and Norwegian publisher were attacked. Rushdie went into hiding for years, emerging after Iran’s government distanced itself in 1998. But the fatwa was never officially lifted. An Iranian foundation still offers a $3 million bounty for Rushdie’s death.
Rushdie, knighted by Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II, published a memoir about the attack in 2024 and returned to fiction with “The Eleventh Hour.” He received a Dayton Literary Peace Prize lifetime achievement award in November.
What Does This Mean for the Philippines?
This case hits close to home for a nation like ours, where religious tensions can flare. It reminds us of the need for moderation and dialogue. The verdict sends a clear message: terrorism, whether local or global, will not be tolerated. It also underscores the importance of protecting free expression, a value we hold dear in our diverse archipelago.
As we navigate our own challenges, from Mindanao to Manila, let us learn from this. Let us stand against extremism and for the rule of law.