Matar’s Terrorism Trial Deepens Rushdie’s Shadow | Buffalo News

Hadi Matar, the 28-year-old convicted in the 2022 Salman Rushdie stabbing, faces a federal terrorism trial where prosecutors argue his attack was fueled by a decades-old Iranian fatwa and loyalty to Hezbollah. Evidence including his writings—like “kill him ASAP”—suggests a radicalized motive. Matar, already serving 25 years on state charges, denies the federal terrorism allegations, with his defense challenging whether the government truly grasps his mindset. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The attack, which occurred while Rushdie was speaking onstage, was halted by bystanders; the 79-year-old author continues to recover from the assault. Though Iran denies involvement, the fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989 remains unwithdrawn, casting a long shadow over Rushdie’s life and legacy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a4d6d1de15a3929c