Renowned British-Indian author Sir Salman Rushdie testified in a New York court, recounting the terrifying moment he was brutally stabbed on stage two years ago. The attack, which left him blind in one eye, occurred as he was about to give a lecture on freedom of expression and the role of the United States as a sanctuary for exiled writers.
Sir Salman, now 77, was the first witness to take the stand in the trial of Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old man accused of attempted murder and assault. Matar has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The proceedings are taking place near the Chautauqua Institution, the venue where the attack unfolded on August 12, 2022.
A Sudden and Brutal Assault
During his testimony, Sir Salman described how he had just settled on stage, prepared to address the audience, when he noticed a figure rushing toward him from his right. The attacker was dressed in dark clothing and wore a face mask, but what struck Sir Salman the most were his eyes, which he described as dark and ferocious.
The first blow landed on Sir Salman’s right jaw and neck. Initially, he thought he had been punched, but as blood began to pour onto his clothes, the horrifying reality became clear—he was being stabbed. The author recounted how the attacker continued to strike him repeatedly, slashing and stabbing within mere seconds.
In total, Sir Salman sustained 15 wounds across his body, including his eye, cheek, neck, chest, torso, and thigh. His left hand was also injured as he tried to defend himself. Of all the wounds, the one to his right eye was the most painful. Removing his glasses, he showed the jury the extent of his injury, revealing that he had completely lost vision in that eye.
Meanwhile, Hadi Matar remained silent, often keeping his head down, never making eye contact with Sir Salman. Lady Rushdie, the author’s wife, sat in the second row, visibly emotional as she listened to her husband’s harrowing account.
Decades of Threats and Fear
Sir Salman’s ordeal is deeply tied to the controversy surrounding his novel The Satanic Verses, published in 1988. The book, which took a surrealist and postmodern approach to elements of Islamic history, was met with outrage in parts of the Muslim world. Some considered it blasphemous, and it was banned in several countries. Iran’s then-Supreme Leader issued a fatwa—a religious decree—calling for Sir Salman’s assassination, forcing him into hiding for nearly a decade.
For years, the author faced numerous death threats. However, as time passed, the threats seemed to subside. Just two weeks before the attack, he had remarked in a German magazine interview that he was living a “relatively normal” life. But the violent attack in Chautauqua shattered that sense of security.
“I Thought I Was Dying”
Sir Salman recalled that in the moments following the attack, he was convinced he was dying. “That was my predominant thought,” he told the jury. He described feeling as though he was lying in “a lake of blood.” Fortunately, members of the audience and event staff quickly subdued the attacker, preventing further harm. “And thanks to that, I survived,” he said.
Following the attack, he was airlifted to a trauma center, where he underwent emergency medical treatment and remained hospitalized for 17 days.
Legal Battle Unfolds
The trial of Hadi Matar continues, with additional witnesses expected to testify in the coming days. Among them are the surgeon who operated on Sir Salman and law enforcement officials who responded to the attack.
Matar’s defense attorney, Lynn Schaffer, cross-examined Sir Salman, questioning whether his recollection of events could have been distorted by the trauma. The author acknowledged that trauma can impact memory but insisted he was certain about the number of times he had been stabbed. “Afterwards, I could see the wounds on my body,” he said. “I didn’t need to be told by anybody.”
Asked whether he had any prior contact with the attacker, Sir Salman firmly stated that he had never encountered Matar before that fateful day. He also noted that the assailant did not utter a single word before or during the attack.
The Broader Implications
Sir Salman Rushdie’s attack reignited discussions on the threats faced by writers, intellectuals, and activists worldwide. It underscored the persistent dangers of extremism and the vulnerability of those who challenge ideological boundaries.
His testimony serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for free expression—a cause that has defined much of his literary career. As the trial proceeds, many around the world will be watching closely, hoping for justice to be served.
