While the attack on writer Salman Rushdie has sparked global outrage, it has been celebrated in the Iranian media. The alleged perpetrator acted “courageously and conscientiously”. Iran’s spiritual leader called for Rushdie’s death in 1989. He is accused of hurting religious feelings.
As reported, a 24-year-old attacked Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie with a knife on Friday before a literary event, seriously injuring him. He then had to be flown in a rescue helicopter to a clinic and undergo emergency surgery. The young man’s motive was initially unclear. According to the police, he acted alone.
It is also unclear whether increased security measures could have prevented the attack. According to information from the American broadcaster CNN, the institute in the American state of New York refused to increase security two days earlier. The planned lecture should have taken place there.
US government: “Awful act of violence”
The incident sparked worldwide outrage. National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, spoke of a “terrible act of violence”. The entire government also thanked guests at the event and emergency services who “would have helped Rushdie so soon after the attack”. Fellow writers such as “Harry Potter” author Joanne K. Rowling, Stephen King and Günter Wallraff also expressed their dismay and wished them a speedy recovery.
Iranian newspaper: “A Thousand Bravos”
Different Iranian media take a very different approach. The Kayhan newspaper wrote: “Thousands of bravos (…) to the brave and dutiful person who attacked the renegade and evil Salman Rushdie in New York.” Other newspapers had the headlines “Knife in the Neck of Salman Rushdie” and “Satan on the Road to Hell”. The leadership in Tehran initially did not comment on the incident.
After the attack on Rushdie, speculation has arisen as to whether the murder call, published more than 30 years ago, may have played a role. The then spiritual leader of Iran called on all Muslims to kill the Indian-British writer for insulting Islam, the Quran and the prophet Mohammed with his novel “The Satanic Verses”.
The novel is partly inspired by the life of Muhammad, who cannot distinguish between the revelation of God and the insinuations of the devil. After the murder call, Rushdie was placed under police protection at the time.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
