Author of Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie attacked in New York

 

Admin l Friday, August 12, 2022

 

NEW YORK – Indian born American writer and author of the famous book, Satanic Verses has been attacked in the United States.

Salman Rushdie was stabbed in the neck  as he walked down the stage at the Chautauqua Institute in Western New York.  He was to speak on  the topic, Band Books and Cities of Asylum.

According to AP reporter,  Brad Fisher, a man stormed the stage and was seen punching and stabbing the novelist on the floor.

He is said to have been flown to hospital  in an air ambulance for medical attention.  The New York Police said the attacker has been taken into custody.

Recall that his Satanic Verses published in 1988 provoked protest in Muslim community internationally, leading to death threats and Fatwa  issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in 1989, calling for his assassination.

Following the death threats, the British government put Rushdie under police protection. He has been in hiding as a result of the death threats in the last 10 years.

Salman Rushdie, 75,  is the son of a successful Muslim businessman in India. He was educated in England, first at Rugby School and later at the University of Cambridge where he received an MA degree in history.

His book, Satanic Verses, a critical essay on Islamic teaching and doctrines has been banned in many Islamic countries.