**Salman Rushdie Recalls Near-Fatal Stabbing in Court Testimony**

**Sir Salman Rushdie testified about the traumatic incident from 2022, revealing the extreme violence he faced during the attack that altered his life forever.**

Sir Salman Rushdie recounted a devastating attack that almost claimed his life during court proceedings for the trial of his alleged assailant, 27-year-old Hadi Matar, in New York. The British-Indian author, who has been a target of death threats since the release of his controversial novel The Satanic Verses, described the moment he faced a relentless stabbing on stage, leaving him blind in one eye.

During the hearing, Sir Salman reflected on the events leading up to the assault that occurred on August 12, 2022, as he prepared to address an audience at the Chautauqua Institution. He noted that shortly after being introduced, he observed Matar rushing at him, clad in dark attire and a face mask, with eyes that struck him as “ferocious.” The attack began abruptly, and Sir Salman initially mistook the first blow for a punch, only to find blood streaming down his clothes. He vividly recalled being struck repeatedly, estimating he sustained 15 stab wounds across his bodily regions, including his eye, neck, and chest, with his left hand injured while attempting to shield himself.

Testifying while dressed in a somber dark suit, Sir Salman conveyed the severity of his injuries, highlighting the loss of vision in his eye and the emotional toll it has taken on him. He emotionally displayed his injury to the jury, stating, “As you can see, that is what is left of it,” emphasizing the impact it has on his everyday life.

Meanwhile, Matar, seated in the courtroom, maintained a low profile, occasionally looking down. As Sir Salman recounted his near-death experience, his wife, Lady Rushdie, could be seen visibly distressed. After years of living under the shadow of violence due to his literary work, which some deemed blasphemous, the attack shattered the sense of safety that had returned to his life after a long period of hiding.

Sir Salman expressed that in the aftermath of the attack, he felt a strong conviction that he was dying, describing a sensation akin to lying in “a lake of blood.” He credited the audience members who intervened and subdued Matar with saving his life. Following the brutality of that day, Sir Salman received extensive medical care, spending 17 days hospitalized.

The cross-examination of Sir Salman by Matar's attorney brought up questions regarding the reliability of trauma-induced memories. However, the author stood firm on his recollections, asserting that he vividly remembered the attack and the multiple wounds sustained. He confirmed he had never encountered Matar prior to the incident and noted that Matar had not uttered a word during the attack.

The trial will proceed with additional witnesses called to testify, including the surgeon involved in Rushdie’s treatment and responding law enforcement officers.