**Hadi Matar Found Guilty of Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie**

**Matar faces a lengthy prison sentence following the jury's decision amid discussions about freedom of expression and public safety.**

A jury in Chautauqua County Court has reached a verdict in the case of Hadi Matar, 27, who was charged with the attempted murder of Sir Salman Rushdie during a literary event in New York last year. Matar, who hails from New Jersey, was found guilty of multiple counts, including attempted murder and assault. The incident took place in August 2022 when Matar stabbed the internationally acclaimed author multiple times, leaving him with serious injuries, including liver damage, significant loss of vision in one eye, and paralysis in one hand due to nerve damage.

During the two-week trial, jurors heard from both the prosecution and defense teams, with Sir Salman vividly recounting the brutal attack. He described sitting on stage at the Chautauqua Institute when he noticed Matar charging towards him. He recalled feeling initially confused, thinking he had been punched, only to realize he was being stabbed. Rushdie sustained 15 stab wounds, affecting various parts of his body, including the cheek, neck, chest, and thigh.

The attack also resulted in injuries to Henry Reese, the interviewer on stage with Rushdie, who suffered a minor head injury during the assault. Matar's actions have reignited discussions surrounding freedom of expression, artistic integrity, and the implications of violence against authors and speakers. The jury's decision to convict Matar is a significant moment in these ongoing conversations in both legal and cultural realms.

Hadi Matar's sentencing is scheduled for April 23, where he could face more than 30 years in prison. The incident not only placed Rushdie’s life in jeopardy but also raised alarm about the safety of public figures in the wake of rising global tensions surrounding free speech and artistic expression.