Writers express support for Rushdie and show concern for NY security

Under the gaze of counterterrorism teams and police in tactical gear, hundreds of people gathered outside the New York Public Library on Friday to show support for Salman Rushdie, an author stabbed several times at a literary event. a week ago.

Irish novelist Colum McCann, British writer Hari Kunzru and others read excerpts from Rushdie’s works from the top of the steps of Manhattan’s iconic Fifth Avenue library. Below, in the distance imposed by the organizers, a crowd of about 400 people gathered to listen, erupting into a chant of “we are with Salman” as the event ended.

Some held up posters depicting Rushdie and quoting him, saying, “If we’re not confident in our freedom, then we’re not free.”

According to police, Rushdie was attacked by a 24-year-old man from New Jersey, who ran up to the stage where the writer was and stabbed him in the neck at a literary festival. Rushdie, who was rushed to a hospital, survived.

There were no baggage checks or metal detectors to track weapons at the event that would be attended by Rushdie, who has been living on a death penalty for 33 years.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted second-degree murder and assault.

“I hope this is a wake-up call that people like Salman, who are fearless, who write things as they see them, who are not afraid to speak the truth as they see it, really are in danger,” said the organization’s executive director. PEN America, Suzanne Nossel. The non-profit freedom of expression and human rights group helped organize the event.

Participants spoke of their concerns about themselves and other writers after the attack.

“We are all in danger. And some of us are more openly in danger than the rest,” Iranian-American writer Roya Hakakian said in an interview.