Salman Rushdie’s Attacker Sentenced: A Maximum of 25 Years in Prison

Source: The New York Times

Hadi Matar Sentenced for Stabbing Salman Rushdie

On May 16, 2025, Hadi Matar, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate renowned author Salman Rushdie, was sentenced to the maximum of 25 years in prison. The attack, which occurred in 2022 at the Chautauqua Institution, resulted in critical injuries to Rushdie, leaving him blind in one eye.

During his sentencing in a courtroom in Mayville, New York, Matar addressed the court briefly, expressing his view that Rushdie was a “hypocrite” and a “bully.” The judge, David W. Foley, found Matar’s rationale unconvincing, stating he was disturbed by the nature of the crime and deemed it necessary to impose a lengthy sentence to prevent future attacks, either against Rushdie or others.

Details of the Attack

The harrowing incident occurred while Salman Rushdie was preparing to give a talk. In a brutal assault, Matar stabbed Rushdie over a dozen times before bystanders intervened. In his testimony, Rushdie recalled the traumatic experience, emphasizing a chilling realization of mortality as he felt his life slipping away.

Key details of the trial include:

• The prosecution presented multiple witnesses, including Rushdie, while Matar’s defense called no witnesses.
• Matar chose not to testify in his defense.
• Jurors took less than two hours to deliberate before reaching a guilty verdict in February 2025.

Background on Salman Rushdie and His Ongoing Threats

For many years before the 2022 attack, Rushdie had been living under constant threat due to the controversial nature of his work. His novel, The Satanic Verses, published in 1988, featured a fictional depiction of the Prophet Muhammad that sparked outrage among many Muslims, leading the Supreme Leader of Iran to issue a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death in 1989.

This longstanding conflict underlines the risks that Rushdie has faced as a prominent figure in literature and free speech advocacy. The attack by Matar was viewed not only as a personal assault but also as an attack on the principles of free expression that Rushdie stands for.

The Court’s Perspective on the Sentence

Judge Foley’s decision to sentence Matar to 25 years was influenced by the need for public safety and a rejection of Matar’s justification for his violent actions. In court, the judge emphasized the gravity of the offense and highlighted the potential for future harm by Matar if released.

The relatively swift conclusion of the trial, taking less than two weeks, indicates the clear direction of the evidence presented against Matar. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the jury deliberated, reflecting the significant impact of this case on the community and beyond.

Reflections on Free Speech and Security

The incident raises essential questions about free speech and the lengths to which individuals will go to silence dissenting voices. It also sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by artists and writers who challenge prevailing norms and beliefs.

As Salman Rushdie continues to recover and navigate the aftermath of this brutal attack, discussions surrounding the impact of censorship and the safety of intellectuals are more relevant than ever. This sentencing marks a pivotal moment, where the legal system acknowledges the seriousness of threats against free expression.

Tags: Salman Rushdie, Hadi Matar, free speech, Chautauqua Institution, The Satanic Verses, courtroom, fatwa, trial, sentencing, literary threats