Author Salman Rushdie stormed the New York stage
Sir Salman Rushdie’s agent has confirmed he has been taken off ventilator and is speaking out as the man accused of stabbing him pleaded not guilty on Saturday to charges of attempted murder and assault.
An attorney for Hadi Matar, 24, entered the plea on his behalf during a formal hearing in a court in western New York.
Matar appeared in court wearing a black and white jumpsuit and a white mask, with his hands handcuffed in front of him.
A judge ordered him held without bail after District Attorney Jason Schmidt told him that Matar took steps to intentionally put himself in a position to harm Sir Salman by getting an early pass to the event where he was speaking ‘author and arrived a day earlier with a fake ID.
“This was a pre-planned, unprovoked attack directed at Mr Rushdie,” Schmidt said.
Sir Salman suffered serious injuries and is in hospital on a ventilator and may lose an eye, his agent said.
Salman Rushdie attacked the stage
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Matar bought a ticket to Rushdie’s event two days in advance
Hadi Matar traveled to the site where he is accused of stabbing Sir Salman Rushie the day before the perpetrator was attacked.
Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt said Matar bought a ticket to the event two days before Sir Salman’s stabbing.
He traveled to Chautauqua by bus and had cash, prepaid Visa cards and fake identification with him, Schmidt said in what he described as a “targeted, planned and unprovoked attack.”
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 9:15 am
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Kill ‘very cooperative’
Hadi Matar was “very cooperative” with authorities after he was arrested, his lawyer said.
Nathaniel Barone said Matar was communicating with him openly, but did not say what they had discussed.
Matar pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and is due back in court on Friday.
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 9:01 am
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What is a fatwa and why did Iran issue one against Salman Rushdie in 1989?
Sir Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed British-Indian novelist, was attacked on Friday at a planned conference in western New York.
No official motive has been attributed to the assault, but it may be related to a long-running controversy over Rushdie’s 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, which has led to numerous threats against the author’s life.
What is a fatwa and why did Iran issue one against Salman Rushdie in 1989?
Clergy questioned the novelist’s portrayal of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 8:45 am
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Opinion: Salman Rushdie’s attack is against anyone who believes that Islam deserves special treatment
While the UK has stood by Rushdie all these years, we seem to have given up on the ideals of free speech that the author championed, writes Kunwar Khuldune Shahid.
Opinion: Salman Rushdie’s attack is against everyone who gives special treatment to Islam
Although the UK has stood by Rushdie all these years, we seem to have given up on the ideals of free speech that the author championed.
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 8:30 am
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Republicans call on Biden to end nuclear talks with Iran
Republican politicians have called on President Joe Biden to end talks on the Iran nuclear deal over the stabbing of Sir Salman Rushdie.
Iran issued a fatwa calling for Sir Salman to be killed in 1989 following the publication of his book The Satanic Verses.
Washington and Tehran are in talks over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, which would see Iran curb its uranium enrichment program.
“Iran’s leaders have been calling for the assassination of Salman Rushdie for decades. We know that today they are trying to assassinate American officials,” said Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton.
“Biden must immediately end negotiations with this terrorist regime.”
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 8:15 am
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Matar faces up to 32 years in prison
Hadi Matar faces up to 32 years in prison if found guilty of attempting to kill Sir Salman, a judge has said.
Matar pleaded not guilty in court on Saturday.
Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt denied bail for Matar. He is due back in court on Friday.
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 8:00 am
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The second speaker was injured in the attack
A second speaker was injured in Friday’s attack on Sir Salman.
Ralph Henry Reese, 73, suffered a minor head injury.
He was taken to hospital in an ambulance and later released with a facial injury.
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 7:45 am
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The judge details horrific injuries
A judge has detailed the injuries Sir Salman suffered on Friday night when he was repeatedly stabbed.
He suffered three stab wounds to the right side of the front of his neck, four stab wounds to his stomach, a stab wound to his right eye and chest and a laceration to his right thigh, according to the Chautauqua County District Attorney . said attorney Jason Schmidt.
He underwent surgery after the attack and was taken off a respirator.
Matt Mathers August 14, 2022 7:21 am
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Watch: Moments Salman Rushdie’s attacker was arrested by members of the public seconds after stabbing author
Audience members are confronted with a knife moments after he stabbed Sir Salman Rushdie on stage in New York, new footage has shown.
In the clip, filmed on August 12, the audience at the Chautauqua institution can be heard screaming as dozens arrest the attacker, identified as Hadi Matar, 24, of New Jersey.
Several witnesses approach the stage and appear to pull the attacker off the author of The Satanic Verses before tackling him to the ground, while others quickly surround Mr Rushdie and begin to provide him with medical attention.
Moment Salman Rushdie’s attacker was arrested on stage seconds after stabbing author
Audience members confront a knife moments after he stabbed Sir Salman Rushdie on stage in New York, new footage has emerged. In the clip, filmed on August 12, the audience at the Chautauqua institution can be heard screaming as dozens arrest the attacker, identified as Hadi Matar, 24, of New Jersey. Several witnesses approach the stage and appear to pull the attacker off the author of The Satanic Verses before tackling him to the ground, while others quickly surround Mr Rushdie and begin giving him medical attention. Stephen Davies captured the clip during the CHQ 2022 event where Mr Salman suffered stab wounds to his neck and abdomen. Sign up for our free newsletters here.
Peony Hirwani 14 August 2022 06:00
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JK Rowling says ‘police are involved’ after receiving death threat following Salman Rushdie tweet
JK Rowling has told her fans that the police are involved after a tweet about Salman Rushdie prompted a death threat on Twitter.
The controversial Harry Potter author had expressed his sympathy for Rushdie after he was stabbed on stage at a literary event in New York on Friday.
Shortly after posting the message, Rowling shared an image of a response she had received, which read: “Don’t worry, you’re next.”
The author initially tagged the support Twitter account, writing: “Any chance of getting support?”
She later gave an update to fans and thanked them for their messages, writing: “To everyone sending messages of support – thank you. The police are involved (they were already involved in other threats).
Louis Chilton has the full story:
JK Rowling says police involved after response to Salman Rushdie’s tweet death threat
The response to Rowling’s message of support had read: ‘You’re next’
Peony Hirwani August 14, 2022 5:30 am