Salman Rushdie attacker convicted of terror offenses - BBC
Hadi Matar has been convicted in a US federal court of providing material support to Hezbollah and engaging in transnational terrorism related to the 2022 attack on Sir Salman Rushdie. The author testified during the trial, detailing the severe injuries he sustained during the stabbing.
Why it matters
This conviction highlights the legal consequences for individuals acting on foreign-issued fatwas and underscores the ongoing security risks faced by public figures targeted by extremist groups.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza Getty Images Sir Salman Rushdie A US man who is already serving 25 years in prison for attempting to kill Sir Salman Rushdie has been convicted of additional charges, including providing material support to a terrorist group.
Hadi Matar was convicted in a New York federal court on Wednesday of providing assistance to Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed faction which is designated as a terrorist group by the US, UK and many other countries.
Prosecutors argued that Matar had been motivated by a fatwa, a religious edict, issued by Iran's religious leader in 1989 for Sir Salman's death.
The award-winning author testified during the trial, describing the attack and crediting a firefighter with saving his life by providing medical care.
The jury convicted Matar of engaging in an act of transnational terrorism and providing material support to Hezbollah.
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