Washington, DC – Acclaimed novelist Salman Rushdie faced a violent attack in August 2022 when a knife-wielding audience member charged the stage during his talk on safety for writers, stabbing him at least 12 times. This harrowing incident came decades after Rushdie received a death sentence from Iran in 1988 for his controversial novel, “The Satanic Verses.”
Despite the previous threats, Rushdie had let his guard down and found himself in a terrifying situation on stage. Now, over a year and a half later, Rushdie has released a highly anticipated memoir about the attack titled “Knife.” In a recent TV interview with “60 Minutes,” Rushdie highlighted the increasing dangers of book bans that have surfaced in recent years.
Reflecting on his past, Rushdie’s career exemplifies the dire consequences of book bans as demonstrated by the fallout from “The Satanic Verses.” The novel’s publication in 1988 led to accusations of blasphemy and a fatwa issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, calling for Rushdie’s assassination. Rushdie went into hiding under 24-hour protection.
Despite the dangers he faced, Rushdie continued writing and engaging with audiences until the 2022 attack, which left him severely injured. As he navigates the aftermath, Rushdie emphasizes the importance of hearing voices that challenge perceptions, advocating against book bans that stifle free expression.
Instances of book bans have surged in recent years, with thousands recorded across the U.S. in just six months. Rushdie’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of censorship and the need to protect free speech. As debates over banning books intensify, Rushdie’s story underscores the critical importance of defending the freedom to express diverse viewpoints and ideas.