MAYVILLE, New York – Attorneys are set to deliver opening statements today in the trial of Hadi Matar, the man charged with attempting to murder novelist Salman Rushdie during a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022.
Rushdie, who was stabbed multiple times, resulting in severe injuries including blindness in his right eye, is expected to be among the first witnesses to testify. Matar, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault2.
The trial, taking place in Chautauqua County Court, has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and Rushdie’s history of facing death threats since the publication of his novel “The Satanic Verses” in 1988.
If convicted, Matar faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Additionally, he faces federal charges of attempting to murder Rushdie as an act of terrorism and providing material support to Hezbollah2.
The trial is expected to last a week to 10 days, with jurors being shown video and photos from the day of the attack.