Rushdie attacker sentenced to 25 years in prison2 days ago Share Save Ana Faguy BBC News Share SaveWatch: Judge David Foley sentences Hadi Matar to 25 years in prison for the attackA New Jersey man who stabbed and partially blinded novelist Sir Salman Rushdie on a New York lecture stage was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday. Sir Salman was on stage speaking before an audience in August 2022, when he was stabbed multiple times in the face and neck. "Salman Rushdie wants to disrespect other people," said Matar, clad in white-striped jail clothing and wearing handcuffs. Sir Salman was not in the court for his assailant's sentencing on Friday. Sir Salman Rushdie on the stabbing attack