Iran denies links to Salman Rushdie stabbing, blames writer and fans
Iran has denied any link with the Salman Rushdie stabbing and the attacker – and instead blames the writer himself.
Rushdie, 75, was stabbed on stage at an event in New York and has been left severely injured, although it’s now confirmed he is able to breathe unaided.
The American-British author has faced death threats since the release of his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses.
US lawmaker Anthony Blinken accused Iran’s state media of gloating about the attack. Whilst Iranian media have called it “divine retribution.”
Following the news Salman Rushdie may lose one eye, Iran’s state broadcaster daily Jaam-e Jam said “an eye of the Satan has been blinded.”
Despite a religious fatwa – calling for the writer’s assassination being issued more than 30 years ago, and celebrations from state media, Iran has denied involvement.
On Monday, the foreign ministry spokesperson denied any link, adding “no one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republican of Iran.”
He added that freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie’s insulting religion.
“In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation,” the spokesman said.
He said Iran had no other information about