Trial Begins for Salman Rushdie's Alleged Attacker in New York

Hadi Matar, accused of a 2022 knife attack that left the author blind in one eye, faces charges including terrorism.

The trial of Hadi Matar, accused of attempting to kill Salman Rushdie in 2022, begins with jury selection in Chautauqua County, New York.
Matar, a 27-year-old American of Lebanese descent, has pleaded not guilty to state charges and federal terrorism charges tied to alleged links with Hezbollah.
Rushdie, who has lived under an Iranian fatwa calling for his death since 1989 due to his book 'The Satanic Verses,' was seriously injured in the attack, losing sight in one eye.
The attack drew global condemnation as an assault on freedom of expression, while some extremist groups in certain countries praised it.
Rushdie, now 77, has recounted the incident in his 2024 memoir 'The Knife' and may testify during the trial.