Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Stabbing Salman Rushdie

Fri Jul 18 2025 08:35:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Stabbing Salman Rushdie

A New Jersey man receives a lengthy prison sentence for attempting to murder novelist Sir Salman Rushdie on stage.


Hadi Matar, the assailant responsible for a shocking knife attack against renowned novelist Sir Salman Rushdie, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday. The violent incident, which left Rushdie partially blind and with severe injuries, took place in August 2022 during a lecture event in New York. Matar, 27, was convicted earlier this year of attempted murder and assault, drawing significant media attention due to Rushdie's controversial past relating to his novel "The Satanic Verses."

Following the brutal act, which resulted in multiple stab injuries, Rushdie testified about his harrowing experience, where he initially mistook the stabbing for a punch. Matar's actions were reportedly linked to longstanding threats against Rushdie stemming from the book's portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad. The attack reignited discussions on freedom of speech, with Matar making contentious remarks during his sentencing, labeling Rushdie a bully.

Prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack while the defense argued insufficient proof of Matar's intent to kill. Despite not testifying in his defense, Matar expressed disdain for Rushdie in previous statements, claiming to support Iran's call for Rushdie's execution. The sentencing marks a significant moment in a mired controversy that has persisted for decades, reflecting the tensions between literary expression and religious sentiments.

In the aftermath of the attack, Rushdie published a memoir recounting his recovery and experience titled "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," shedding light on his journey post-attack.

Matar's sentence serves to underscore the legal ramifications of such violent acts against artists and their freedom of expression.

As the literary world continues to grapple with the repercussions of historical tensions, Rushdie's survival and ongoing contributions to literature reaffirm the resilience of creative voices against adversity.

Hadi Matar's sentencing sends a strong message regarding the importance of protecting artistic expression while highlighting the realities faced by authors like Salman Rushdie, who have endured threats for their work.

By Ana Faguy, OnPoint Info News

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