Tue Feb 04 20:20:49 IST 2025: ## Trial Begins for Man Accused of Attacking Salman Rushdie
**Chautauqua, NY –** Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of Hadi Matar, the 26-year-old man accused of attempting to murder author Salman Rushdie during a lecture in August 2022. Matar, a dual US-Lebanese citizen, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the state charges alone. He has also been indicted on federal charges of terrorism and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, referencing alleged ties to Hezbollah.
The attack, which left Rushdie with severe injuries including the loss of an eye and liver damage, took place at the Chautauqua Institution. Matar allegedly stabbed Rushdie multiple times in the face, neck, and abdomen. While the prosecution possesses video evidence of the attack, they anticipate challenges in selecting an unbiased jury given the extensive media coverage and heightened global tensions surrounding religious violence. The defense also expressed concerns about potential bias against Arab Americans and the Muslim community in the area.
The prosecution contends the attack was not random, citing the long-standing fatwa issued against Rushdie by Iran’s leadership following the publication of his 1988 novel, *The Satanic Verses*. However, they plan to avoid explicitly mentioning the fatwa during the trial, focusing instead on the video evidence of the attack itself. Rushdie is expected to testify.
Matar’s lawyer previously attempted, unsuccessfully, to move the trial to a different venue, arguing his client could not receive a fair trial in Chautauqua County. He has also rejected a plea deal offering a 20-year sentence. The trial is expected to be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the victim and the complex geopolitical context surrounding the case.
First Piper 