In a major development in the high-profile attack case, Hadi Matar, the man who stabbed renowned author Salman Rushdie in 2022, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. The sentencing was delivered by a New York court on Thursday, marking the end of a long legal process that followed the brutal assault.
The attack took place in August 2022 while Rushdie was preparing to speak at an event in Chautauqua, New York. Matar rushed onto the stage and stabbed the author multiple times, leaving him with life-altering injuries. As a result of the attack, Rushdie lost sight in one eye and sustained severe damage to one of his hands.
The prosecution argued that the attack was premeditated and intended to kill the author, known for his controversial writings, including "The Satanic Verses," which has drawn both global praise and widespread controversy since its publication in 1988.
Rushdie, now 77, did not attend the sentencing hearing but issued a statement through his representatives, thanking the public for their continued support and expressing relief that justice had been served.
The incident sparked global outrage and renewed concerns over freedom of speech and the safety of writers and public intellectuals. Security measures have since been tightened at literary events across the world.
The 25-year prison term for Hadi Matar reflects the severity of the crime and sends a strong message against violence targeting freedom of expression.
