In a gripping court appearance, Salman Rushdie described his terrifying near-death experience during the 2022 stabbing incident, detailing the violent attack and its profound impact on his life.
Salman Rushdie Recalls Near-Death Experience During Trial
Salman Rushdie Recalls Near-Death Experience During Trial
Author Salman Rushdie provides harrowing testimony in court after being stabbed on stage, reflecting on his injuries and the aftermath of the attack.
Sir Salman Rushdie took the stand in a New York court to recount his traumatic experience after being stabbed on stage nearly two years ago. The acclaimed author, known for his provocative literature, including the controversial novel "The Satanic Verses," shared that he initially believed he was dying immediately following the brutal attack by 27-year-old Hadi Matar, who faces charges of assault and attempted murder while pleading not guilty.
During the trial, Rushdie provided vivid details of the attack, which occurred on August 12, 2022, as he prepared to speak at the Chautauqua Institution about the United States being a refuge for exiled writers. After years living under the shadow of a fatwa issued in response to his novel's publication in 1988, the incident marked a devastating turn in what he had described as a "relatively normal" life just weeks prior.
As he stood before the jury, the 77-year-old author recalled the moment before the assault. He described seeing a figure approach him from the right, cloaked in dark clothing and a face mask, whose "ferocious" eyes struck him as ominous. Rushdie detailed how he was struck multiple times—15 in total—sustaining critical injuries to his eye, neck, and torso. He recounted feeling immense pain, particularly from the stab wound to his eye that has left him blind in that eye permanently.
The courtroom atmosphere was heavy as Rushdie's wife, Lady Rushdie, wept during his testimony. Despite the emotional weight, Rushdie recounted how members of the audience intervened to subdue Matar, which he credited for saving his life. Following the attack, Rushdie was airlifted to a hospital where he endured extensive treatment for 17 days.
Matar’s defense attorney attempted to challenge Rushdie's recollections, suggesting that trauma could affect memory. However, Rushdie maintained certainty regarding the events that transpired, insisting that the visible damage to his body confirmed his account. He stated that he had never encountered Matar prior to the attack, which further underscores the random nature of the violence he endured.
As the trial evolves, more witnesses, including medical personnel and law enforcement involved in the case, are expected to testify in the coming days, shedding further light on the shocking incident that left its mark not only on Rushdie but on conversations surrounding freedom of expression and safety for authors worldwide.
