Rushdie Attacker Charged With Supporting Militant Group Hezbollah

Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Matar is a violent criminal who attempted to murder Rushdie on behalf of a violent terrorist organization. By attempting to carry out a fatwa, Matar committed an act of terrorism and should not just be charged with attempted murder but also with terrorism.

Establishment-critical narrative

There is clearly no link between Matar and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Though nothing justifies the brutal attack, it was prompted by Rushdie's book, which is a serious offense to the entire Muslim world. All evidence suggests Matar acted alone.


Public Figures


Go Deeper


Articles on this story