New Delhi:
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted today to say he was “absolutely appalled and shocked” by the stabbing of Salman Rushdie at an event in the US, as he wished the Indian-born author a full recovery from his injuries. Calling it a sad day, the leader of Congress, who reviewed Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, said it would be “worse if creative expression can no longer be free and open”.
Totally horrified and shocked at being stabbed @SalmanRushdie. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery, though, with a sinking heart, I realize that life can never be the same for him again. A sad day, worse if creative expression is no longer free and open.
– Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 13, 2022
Doctors treating him said Mr Rushdie, 75, is on a ventilator and may be missing an eye. Police have identified his attacker.
Friday’s knife attack on Mr Rushdie comes more than 33 years after Iran turned against him for writing “The Verses of Satan”. The 1988 book was seen by some clerics as disrespectful to the Prophet Mohammed.
“Salman (Rushidie) is going to assume that after 33 good years since the original version that at least there won’t be any more specific complications that people have tweaked…. He’s really wondering around. quite normally with his safety etc. It must have been a terrible shock … for all those who value freedom of speech and value the safety and sanctity of the public. personally. This is terrible news and I am truly appalled that there are still people who believe that the answer to words is life. The answer to words is other words. This is terrible”, Tharoor spoke by phone to NDTV shortly after yesterday’s attack.
A British citizen of Indian descent – living in the US for the past 20 years – Salman Rushdie has faced threats for decades over his 1988 book.
