U.S condemns near death attack on Salman Rushdie

Admin l Monday, August 15, 2022

 

WASHINGTON – The United States has condemned the near death attack on Indian American writer, Salman Rushdie, the author of the famous book, Satanic Verses.

The famous writer was stabbed severally in the neck on Friday, August 12 in New York as he walked up the stage to deliver his talk on “Banned Books and the Cities of Asylum” at the Chautauqua Institute in Western New York.

The government of Iran has denied any involvement in the attack and that the Salman Rushdie and his supporters are to blame for the attack. Satanic Verses is a critical essay on Islam and Prophet Muhammed, published in 1988.

Publication of the book was greeted by condemnation by followers of Islam. Satanic Verses was banned in Iran, while the Supreme Leader of Iran imposed Fatwa on him and a bounty supported by allies to the tune of USD 4 million for assassination of the author.

Reacting to the attack, the United State said it joined those across the country and around the world who are keeping Salman Rushdie in our thoughts in the aftermath of this heinous attack.

“More than a literary giant, Rushdie has consistently stood up for the universal rights of freedom of expression​, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of the press”, the Department of State said in a statement.

It added that while law enforcement officials continue to investigate the attack, “I am reminded of the pernicious forces that seek to undermine these rights, including through hate speech and incitement to violence”, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said.

Specifically, he explained that  Iranian state institutions have incited violence against Rushdie for generations, and state-affiliated media recently gloated about the attempt on his life.

“This is despicable”, Blinken noted, and that the United States and partners will not waver in our determination to stand up to these threats, using every appropriate tool at our disposal.

“The strength of Rushdie — and that of all of those around the world who have endured such threats — steels our resolve and underscores the imperative of standing united as an international community against those who would challenge these universal rights”, he said.