THE United States has condemned the attack on ace writer, Salman Rushdie.
Rushdie is the author of the controversial novel, Satanic Verses, for which a fatwa was placed on him decades ago.
He was stabbed on stage in New York last week. His agent said he is recovering.
Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, in a statement today, said the U.S. was keeping the author in its thoughts.
“We join those across the country and around the world who are keeping Salman Rushdie in our thoughts in the aftermath of this heinous attack. More than a literary giant, Rushdie has consistently stood up for the universal rights of freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of the press. While law enforcement officials continue to investigate the attack, I am reminded of the pernicious forces that seek to undermine these rights, including through hate speech and incitement to violence
“Specifically, Iranian state institutions have incited violence against Rushdie for generations, and state-affiliated media recently gloated about the attempt on his life. This is despicable,” he said.
He added that the United States and partners would not waver in their determination to stand up to these threats, using every appropriate tool at our disposal.
“The strength of Rushdie — and that of all of those around the world who have endured such threats — steels our resolve and underscores the imperative of standing united as an international community against those who would challenge these universal rights,” Blinken added.
