Statesman: Rushdie stood for universal rights of freedom of expression
Salman Rushdie, a champion of universal rights including freedom of expression, was attacked at a literary event in New York. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken praised Rushdie’s advocacy for freedom of speech and condemned the attack, highlighting the importance of protecting these fundamental rights against hate speech and violence.
Lauding Salman Rushdie, author of ‘The Satanic Verses’, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said ‘We join those across the country and around the world who are keeping Salman Rushdie is in our thoughts in the aftermath of this heinous attack. More than a literary giant, Rushdie has consistently stood up for the universal rights of freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of the press’.
Rushdie, who received death threats from Iran due to his book, was stabbed on Friday morning by a 24-year-old attacker at a literary event in New York. Mr. Blinken, further, said that while the officials are investigating the attack, he was reminded of the pernicious forces that seek to undermine these rights, including through hate speech and incitement of violence.