After being repeatedly stabbed during a literary event, the celebrated author has lost sight in one eye as well as the use of his right hand.

Salman Rushdie, who was stabbed in a literary event less than a month ago, attended the PEN America Gala on Thursday night.

The 75-year old author made a rare appearance in public, joking that it was "nice" to be "back - rather than not being back which was another option." He also said he was, "pretty happy the dice rolled the right way."

The New York Times reported that Rushdie was given a warm reception and received a standing applause.

The author of "The Satanic Verses", was repeatedly stabbed onstage during a speech event in Chautauqua (New York) last August. He was airlifted from the location to a nearby hospital, while the suspect was arrested. Rushdie spent six weeks in hospital and lost the sight in one eye as well as the use of his hand.

In his first public speech since the attack, the "Midnight's Children's" author was awarded the Pen Centenary Courage Award. He told the audience that the true heroes were not those who saved him but the people who ran to his rescue.

He said, "I would have never been standing here today if it wasn't for these people." "The courage that day was theirs."

Hadi Matar (24 years old) was accused of attempted second-degree killing and second-degree assault after the incident. He has pleaded not guilty.

Rushdie spent many years hiding in the shadows after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989, calling for the murder of the author.

Other attacks have occurred over the years on the 1988 novel.

In 1991, the Japanese translator of 'The Satanic Verses', Hitoshi Igarashi was fatally stabbed. The murder is still unsolved.

William Nygaard was shot three times by a Norwegian novelist in 1993. The shooters never were found.

Ettore Capriolo was attacked in his Milan home by a man wielding a knife.

At least 37 people have also been killed in riots that are linked to the book.

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Title: Salman Rushdie First Public Appearance Since Stabbing Attack
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/05/19/salman-rushdie-first-public-appearance-since-stabbing-attack/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 15:40:00 +0000

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