Aug 12 (Portal) – Here are the reactions to Friday’s attack on writer Salman Rushdie. Continue reading
SUZANNE NOSSEL, CEO OF THE FREE EXPRESSION ORGANIZATION PEN AMERICA:
“We cannot imagine a comparable incident of a public attack on a literary author on American soil. Just hours before the attack, on Friday morning, Salman had emailed me to help place Ukrainian writers who need a safe haven from the grave dangers they face. Salman Rushdie has been targeted for his words for decades, but he has never flinched or hesitated. He has devoted tireless energy to helping others who are vulnerable and threatened. While we do not know the origins or motives of this attack, everyone around the world who met words with violence or demanded the same is guilty of legitimizing this attack on a writer while engaged in his essential work to connect with readers. Our thoughts and passions are now with our fearless Salman, wishing him all the best and a speedy recovery.”
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NORWEGIAN PUBLISHER WILLIAM NYGAARD WHO WAS SHOT AND SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER THE RELEASE OF RUSHDIE’S WORK IN 1993:
“Rushdie paid a heavy price. He is a leading author who has meant so much to literature, and he found a good life in the United States.”
AUTHOR IAN MCEWAN:
“This horrific attack on my dear friend Salman is an attack on freedom of thought and speech. These are the freedoms that underpin all our rights and freedoms. Salman has been an inspirational defender of persecuted writers and journalists around the world. He is a fiery and generous spirit, a man of immense talent and courage, and he will not be deterred.”
Playwright Bonnie Green:
“I don’t know why this happened with Salman Rushdie or what actually happened. But it brings back the memory of horrific days and years when, if you were a writer, you could be sentenced to DEATH… for a book, a book…”
AUTHOR AND DIRECTOR RAJA SEN:
“Come on Salman Rushdie. We need you now more than ever.”
PEN INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT BURHAN SONMEZ:
“PEN International strongly condemns the brutal attack on Salman Rushdie. Salman is a valued and celebrated author and a popular member of the PEN community who has faced threats for his work for years. No one should be targeted, let alone attacked, for peacefully expressing their views. We wish our dear friend a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
UK HOME SECRETARY PRITI PATEL:
“Shocked and appalled to hear of the unprovoked and senseless attack on Sir Salman Rushdie. Freedom of expression is a value we hold dear and attempts to undermine it cannot be tolerated. My thoughts are with Sir Salman and his family.”
British author Salman Rushdie listens during an interview with Portal in London April 15, 2008. Portal/Dylan Martinez/File Photo
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON:
“I am appalled that Sir Salman Rushdie was stabbed while exercising a right we should never stop defending. At the moment my thoughts are with his loved ones. We all hope he is doing well.”
AUTHOR TASLIMA NASREEN, WHO FLED HER TOWN OF BANGLADESH after a court found that her novel Lajja (‘Shame’) offended Muslims’ religious sensibilities:
“I just found out that Salman Rushdie was attacked in New York. I’m really shocked. I never thought it would happen. He lives in the West and has been protected since 1989. When he’s attacked, everyone is critical.” of Islam can be attacked. I’m worried.”
AUTHOR KHALED HOSSEINI:
“I am deeply appalled by the cowardly attack on Salman Rushdie. I pray for his recovery. He is an important voice and cannot be silenced.”
US SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER FROM NEW YORK:
“This attack is shocking and appalling. It is an attack on freedom of speech and thought, which are two core values of our country and the Chautauqua Institution.”
“I hope Mr Rushdie makes a speedy and full recovery and the perpetrator faces full accountability and justice.”
AUTHOR AMITAV GHOSH:
“I am appalled to learn that Salman Rushdie was assaulted at a public speaking event in upstate New York. Wish him a speedy recovery.”
NEW YORK GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL:
“Here is a person who has spent decades speaking truth to those in power. Someone who seemed unafraid to be out there despite the threats that have dogged him throughout his adult life. And it happened in a place very familiar to me, a very quiet, rural community known as Chautauqua, a Chautauqua institution where the finest speakers and thought leaders, politicians and judges, and all come together to freely express their thoughts to be able to speak. … Our thoughts are with Salman and his loved ones following this horrific event.”
BRITISH CULTURE MINISTER NADINE DORRIES:
“Dreadful. A horrific attack on a literary giant and one of the great defenders of free speech. Thoughts of @SalmanRushdie and his loved ones.”
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Reporting by Randi Love; Editing by Donna Bryson, Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis
Our standards: The Thomson Portal Trust Principles.