A New Jersey man, Hadi Matar, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the brutal stabbing of author Sir Salman Rushdie, an attack that left the acclaimed novelist partially blind and physically injured. The sentencing occurred on Friday following Matar's conviction for attempted murder and assault earlier this year.
**Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Stabbing Salman Rushdie**
**Hadi Matar Sentenced to 25 Years for Stabbing Salman Rushdie**
A New Jersey man receives a lengthy prison term for attacking the renowned novelist during a live event.
Matar, 27, attacked Rushdie on stage in August 2022, stabbing him multiple times. The violent act was fueled by decades-old controversy around Rushdie's novel *The Satanic Verses*, which had made him a target of death threats. In addition to the lengthy sentence for attempted murder, Matar received seven years for injuring Rushdie's interviewer Henry Reese, sentences that will run concurrently due to the nature of the attack.
During the proceedings, Matar condemned Rushdie, labeling him a hypocrite advocating for free speech while disrespecting others. Notably, Sir Salman was absent from the courtroom during Matar's hearing.
The case drew significant attention as Rushdie's life has been marred by controversy since the publication of his book over 35 years ago, which some viewed as blasphemous. Despite believing threats had lessened in recent years, the novelist recounted his harrowing experience and recovery in his memoir titled *Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder*.
During the proceedings, Matar condemned Rushdie, labeling him a hypocrite advocating for free speech while disrespecting others. Notably, Sir Salman was absent from the courtroom during Matar's hearing.
The case drew significant attention as Rushdie's life has been marred by controversy since the publication of his book over 35 years ago, which some viewed as blasphemous. Despite believing threats had lessened in recent years, the novelist recounted his harrowing experience and recovery in his memoir titled *Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder*.
