Salman Rushdie attacker is staying in jail
[anvplayer video=”5129424″ station=”998131″]
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The man accused of trying to kill world-famous author Salman Rushdie in Western New York is staying in jail Thursday night.
Hadi Matar didn’t say anything in court on Thursday—he let his lawyer do the talking but he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
The 24-year-old from New Jersey pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault.
His public defender says Matar has no criminal record and wouldn’t flee the country if released but the judge denied bail.
The Chautauqua County district attorney says last Friday, Matar stabbed Rushdie a dozen times in the neck, stomach, chest, hand and right eye.
Rushdie is still in a Pennsylvania hospital being treated for severe wounds.
He’s best known for writing “The Satanic Verses,” which is banned in Iran and considered by some Muslims to be blasphemous.
Rushdie faced death threats for decades and there’s been a $3 million bounty for his killing.
If convicted, Matar could get decades in prison.
The judge has ordered the lawyers involved in the case not to give any interviews.