77-year-old author Salman Rushdie testified during the trial of Hadi Matar, who is accused of attempting to murder him in a 2022 attack in western New York. Rushdie described the moment when a masked man rushed at him on stage, repeatedly slashing him with a knife and leaving him with severe injuries. Rushdie recounted feeling immense pain, shock, and the fear of dying as he lay in a pool of blood. Despite his injuries, Rushdie credited those who subdued his attacker with saving his life.
Rushdie detailed his recovery process, including spending time in the hospital and rehabilitation center, where he had to re-learn basic skills. He testified that he has not fully recovered and is not as energetic or physically strong as he used to be. Matar, the accused assailant, showed little emotion during Rushdie’s testimony and did not engage in aggressive questioning during cross-examination.
The trial is expected to last up to two weeks, with jurors unlikely to hear about the fatwa issued against Rushdie in 1989. Prosecutors assert that Matar, without provocation, attacked Rushdie during a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution, which is not a case of mistaken identity. The defense argues that the case is more complex than portrayed by prosecutors and that the elements of the crime must be clearly proven. Additionally, Matar faces separate federal terrorism charges due to an alleged endorsement by a terrorist organization.
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