Introduction to the Incident
The renowned author, Sir Salman Rushdie, expressed his satisfaction with the maximum possible prison sentence given to Hadi Matar, the 27-year-old who attempted to murder him in a knife attack in 2022. Matar was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the crime.
The Attack’s Aftermath
The attack, which occurred during a lecture in New York, left Sir Salman blind in one eye, with significant damage to his liver and a paralyzed hand due to nerve damage in his arm. The author recently spoke about the incident on BBC Radio 4’s Today Program, stating that he hopes Matar will use his time in prison to reflect on his actions.
A New Book and Reflection
Last year, Sir Salman published a book titled Victory City, which he described as "my way of fighting." The book includes an imaginary conversation with Matar, where Sir Salman explores the motivations behind the attack. He explained that he doubted Matar would be open to a real conversation, so he decided to create a fictional one instead.
A Unique Conversation Brought to Life
The fictional conversation was animated using artificial intelligence for a documentary by BBC filmmaker Alan Yentob. Sir Salman found the results "very striking" and believed they made a strong point. The author’s ability to address the attack and its perpetrator through his writing showcases his resilience and determination.
Paying Tribute to a Friend
Sir Salman also spoke on Radio 4 to pay tribute to Alan Yentob, who passed away on Saturday. He praised Yentob as a great advocate for the arts and a loyal friend, especially during difficult times. Sir Salman remembered Yentob as a "giant of British media" who will be remembered for his incredible work and contributions.
Personal and Professional Legacy
The relationship between Sir Salman and Yentob extended beyond their professional collaboration, as they also shared a personal bond. They even participated in a humorous arm-wrestling match for a scene in the BBC mockumentary W1A. Sir Salman joked that it was a "completely fake" competition, and neither of them truly won.
New Work on the Horizon
In November, Sir Salman will publish a new collection of short stories, The Eleven Hour, his first fiction work written since the attack. The author’s ability to continue creating despite the challenges he faces is a testament to his dedication to his craft. The attack occurred 35 years after the publication of his controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, which had made him a target for murder threats due to its representation of the Prophet Muhammad.
