The alleged assassin of the world-famous writer Salman Rushdie has been officially indicted by an American grand jury. In a courtroom in the city of Chautauqua, New York, 24-year-old Hadi Matar pleaded “not guilty” on Thursday, several US media reported unanimously. Investigators have charged Matar with attempted second-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and intent to cause physical harm.
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According to the TV channel CNN, the court refused to release Matar on bail. The young man was brought into the hall in handcuffs and striped convict clothing and said little. He faces up to 25 years in prison if he’s only found guilty of attempted murder.
Rushdie was attacked by a man at an event in Chautauqua, western New York, on Friday. He has since been treated at a hospital in neighboring Pennsylvania. The British-Indian writer has been persecuted by religious fanatics for decades, but the police have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack. (dpa)
