THE attack on Sir Salman Rushdie has been condemned as “a strike on the freedom of expression that our world relies on”.
As writers and politicians joined a growing chorus of outrage, Harry Potter writer JK Rowling received a death threat yesterday from an Islamic extremist, who chillingly told her “you are next”.
Author Sir Salman, 75, remains on a ventilator, cannot speak and may lose an eye.
His alleged attacker, Hadi Matar, 24, was remanded in custody last night without bail after being charged with attempted murder and assault at the New York literary event.
Literary agent Andrew Wylie said Sir Salman, who was airlifted to hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, said: “Salman will likely lose one eye, the nerves in his arm are severed, his liver was stabbed and damaged.”
US-born Matar, who has Lebanese parents, is reportedly a supporter of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Iran-backed Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
The Satanic Verses author was on stage at the Chautauqua Institution, near Buffalo, in New York State, for a lecture on artistic free expression when Matar stabbed him “10 or 15 times” in the neck and abdomen.
Blood spattered the stage seconds after Matar – clad in black and wearing a black mask – rushed at Rushdie.
Following the stabbing on Friday, many influential figures rallied to defend the freedom of expression championed by Indian-born British writer Sir Salman, including JK Rowling.
She tweeted: “Horrifying news. Feeling very sick right now. Let him be OK.”
This story is from the August 14, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 14, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fury as jailed killer 'stars in rap video'
DRILL rap gangs are using artificial intelligence to create music videos glamorising murderers online.
Cleese: I've never met a German offended by goose-stepping Fawlty
JOHN Cleese says he has never met a German who was offended by Basil Fawlty repeatedly mentioning the Second World War and goosestepping around a room.
Ka-Pow! White House gong for reliable Robin
IT WAS the TV series that gripped a generation of children as crime-fighting duo Batman and Robin defended Gotham City from villains like The Joker.
Star Adjoa: Bridgerton fans burst into tears when they see me!
BRIDGERTON star Adjoa Andoh says fans of the period drama really think she is Lady Danbury – and often “burst into tears” when they see her.
Star Trek's 3ft TV space ship returns home
THE first model of the USS Enterprise used in the opening credits of the original Star Trek TV show has boldly arrived back home – after being lost for almost half a century.
Just £6,000 for a posh bag of chips
CHEAP as chips is not a description everyone would apply to this fast food-themed handbag – as the accessory costs almost £6,000.
Trump 'won't join breakaway tour'
JUDD TRUMP has revealed he has turned down an approach from a rival tour.
QUINS SURVIVE A CARE SCARE
BOSS Danny Wilson admitted Danny Care dodged a red card as Harlequins kept their play-off hopes alive.
JARR-ING END FOR KLOPP
Anfield boss waves farewell to hopes of second title
In the jungle...the mighty jungle...the lion sleeps tonight
JUST when you think it’s safe to get forty winks, along comes a camera crew.