Matar's actions came in response to longstanding tensions surrounding Rushdie's controversial work, "The Satanic Verses," which resulted in a history of death threats against the author. During the trial, Rushdie detailed the attack, stating that he thought he had been punched before realizing he had been stabbed multiple times. After the sentence was handed down, Matar, who reportedly had ties to extremist views, expressed disdain for Rushdie's perceived disrespect toward others and the freedom of speech debate. Despite the victim's absence from the sentencing, the judge emphasized the serious nature of Matar's violent actions against the literary figure.

Matar's previous statements revealed admiration for Iran's former leader Khomeini's fatwa against Rushdie. Although he pleaded not guilty, claiming a lack of intent to kill, the prosecution maintained that the attack was planned and targeted. Rushdie, who has publicly shared his recovery journey in a memoir, was initially forced into hiding for years due to the threats against his life; however, he felt optimistic about his safety prior to the attack.

In the wake of this violent encounter, discussions surrounding freedom of expression and the tensions it can incite have gained renewed attention, particularly in relation to Rushdie’s legacy and the ongoing dialogue regarding literature and identity in today's world.