Hadi Matar Faces Federal and State Prosecution for Attempted Murder and Terrorist Ties
Hadi Matar, the accused assailant in the 2022 stabbing of renowned author Salman Rushdie, now faces federal terrorism charges alongside existing state charges. An indictment unsealed on July 24 reveals Matar’s alleged links to Hezbollah, a US-designated terrorist organization.
Federal Indictment Details
The federal charges include carrying out an act of terrorism and providing material support to Hezbollah, founded in Lebanon by Iran in the 1980s. If convicted, Matar, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a potential life sentence.
According to US Attorney-General Merrick B. Garland, Matar’s actions were driven by Hezbollah’s ideology and its leader’s endorsement of a 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. This religious edict condemned Rushdie for his 1988 book The Satanic Verses, considered blasphemous by some Muslims.
Background of the Case
The attack left Mr. Rushdie permanently blinded in one eye and severely injured his left hand. Matar, a New Jersey resident of Lebanese descent, is also awaiting trial on state charges of attempted second-degree murder and assault.
The indictment alleges Matar was inspired by a 2006 speech from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, reaffirming the fatwa against Rushdie. Hezbollah has not responded to inquiries about Matar’s alleged ties.
Legal Proceedings
Matar appeared in federal court on July 24 in Buffalo, New York, and his defense attorney, Nathaniel Barone, stated that Matar intends to plead not guilty to the federal charges. He remains detained in New York’s Chautauqua County Jail.
Implications of the Case
This case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding free expression, religious extremism, and global terrorism. While the Iranian government under President Mohammad Khatami distanced itself from the fatwa in the late 1990s, it was never officially revoked.
Rushdie’s attack highlights the lingering threats authors and public figures face due to ideological conflicts, even decades after initial controversies.
