Salman Rushdie

Iran never cancelled the hit on Salman Rushdie. Like a mob boss with a hard-on for vengeance, Khomeini issued his fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death in 1989. Rushdie went into hiding for decades. In a footnote to my post on the Western Canon, I referenced the fatwa as an example of dangerous intolerance that derives from the certainty of being “right.” One of those small-minded zealots finally answered the call and stabbed Rushdie at a Chautauqua event.

And while Salman is expected to recover, the assailant did significant damage. I wonder if the ignorant punk recognizes the irony of his ability to make a plea in court, and of the inane ability to plea “not guilty,” or that his religious-inspired violence is being given due process despite incontrovertible evidence. Turn the tables and the Revolutionary Court would summarily declare a guilty verdict and enact the sentence – death by hanging.

Fight the ignorance – buy Rushdie’s books.

Keep training – the life giving sword must be sharper and wielded more skillfully.

UPDATE Feb 21, 2025

Hadi Matar was finally convicted of attempted murder and sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025 with a maximum of 25 years in prison. I admire the defense exhibiting a layman’s ignorance and exploiting the simple prejudice of a jury pool – Matar only had a knife, not a gun or a bomb, and while the injuries were life-threatening, they noted that Rushdie’s heart and lungs were not damaged. The trial was delayed by the Federal investigation of charges of terrorism in carrying out a fatwa. Let us hope the federal prosecution results in a more punitive justice.

UPDATE May 16 2025

Hadi Matar was sentenced to 25 years in prison after his conviction for attempted murder, plus a concurrent 7-year term for assault. He still faces federal terrorism charges for allegedly acting on the 1989 fatwa.