A federal court in New York convicted 28-year-old Hadi Matar
A federal court in New York convicted 28-year-old Hadi Matar, who is serving a sentence for attempted murder for stabbing writer Salman Rushdi, of terrorism.
Consensus
- Hadi Matar attacked Salman Rushdie during a lecture in August 25, 2022.
- The attack occurred at an educational center in Chautauqua, New York.
- Matat was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted murder in May 2025.
- Matar was found guilty of terrorism and aiding a terrorist organization by the federal court in Buffalo, New York.
- The attack involved multiple knife wounds to Rushdie’s head, neck, torso, and left arm.
- Rushdie lost his right eye as a result of the attack.
- The court cited the 1989 fatwa by Ayatollah Khomeini calling for Rushdie's death due to 'Satanic Verses'.
- Matar was influenced by a 2006 call from Hezbollah leaders to carry out the fatwa.
Points of divergence
- The court stated that Matar acted based on the 1989 fatwa and also found him guilty of aiding Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the U.S. — kommersant
- Matat’s defense attorney claimed there was no evidence supporting the motive for the attack. — meduza
- The court mentioned that 'International Satanic Movement' is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia. — kommersant
- Matar was described as having returned from a trip to the Middle East in 2018, after which he became increasingly interested in Islam. — meduza
Coverage (2 sources)
- Attacker on writer Salman Rushdie found guilty of terrorism — Коммерсантъ
- Напавшего на Салмана Рушди признали виновным в терроризме. Теперь ему грозит пожизненный срок — Meduza