The man convicted of attacking author Salman Rushdie has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed under the charges.
The sentencing took place on Friday, following a trial that began on February 4 and concluded relatively quickly.
The attack occurred in August 2022, when 24-year-old Hadi Matar stormed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, where Rushdie was giving a public lecture. Matar stabbed the author approximately 15 times, causing serious injuries to his neck, torso, and head. Rushdie was flown to a hospital, where he later lost sight in one eye.
Another individual, Henry Reese, who was also speaking at the event and is known for supporting writers living in exile, sustained injuries as well, including a stab wound.
Rushdie, now 77 years old, testified during the trial and described the moment of the attack. He initially thought he was being punched but later realized the severity of his injuries when he saw a large amount of blood on his clothing.
As a result of the attack, Rushdie underwent several surgeries, including one to treat his damaged eye. He told the court that the incident had a lasting impact on his health, reducing both his energy and physical strength.
On February 21, a jury in western New York took less than two hours to find Matar guilty of attempted murder in connection with the assault on Rushdie and guilty of assault for the injuries caused to Reese.
Matar was sentenced to 25 years for the attempted murder charge and an additional seven years for the assault on Reese. Both sentences will be served at the same time, as the crimes occurred during a single incident.
