Security Threat Cancels Salman Rushdie Appearance
Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses
Hunted From 1988 to Present
When you hear about Salman Rushdie, do you remember what happened in 1988 when his book, The Satanic Verses was published? Do you recall the fatwa that was issued against him by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenini in 1989 to execute Rushdie. Those leaders were offended by Rushdie’s book and took steps to end Rushdie’s life for alleged blasphemous content in his novel which gave an irreverent depiction of the prophet Muhammad. I’d always wondered if those thoughts of who would murder Rushdie kept him awake at night fearing what where and when it would happen to him. The recent news shows he was to appear at the 2012 Jaipur Literary Festival in India but was told there were those of the Mumbai underworld that would assasinate him.
An Article Written in The Publisher’s Weekly
The Publisher’s Newsletter writes, “Over the weekend the story surrounding Salman Rushdie’s withdrawal from the Jaipur Literary Festival in India took a number of strange turns. Rushdie had said Friday that he had called off his visit on the advice of government officials, who had received information “that hired killers from the Mumbai underworld had been set after him in order to eliminate him during his visit.” The Hindu reported Sunday that “the two purported Mumbai-based assassins cited in the security threat were unknown to the city police,” and that the threat may have been fabricated. On his Twitter feed Rushdie said he had “investigated the matter” and indicated he “believed I was indeed lied to.”
In the wake of Rushdie’s cancellation, four writers, including Amitava Kumar and Hari Kunzru, read excerpts of Rushdie’s novel THE SATANIC VERSES, which is banned in India. As a result the four writers were instructed to leave the festival–and India–for “legal and security reasons.” Writing on his website (and reposted by the Guardian) Kunzru explained: “We wanted to demystify the book. It is, after all, just a book. Not a bomb. Not a knife or a gun. Just a book.”
Be Sure You Read the Comments
Reading further down in the comments section of the online story you can find those who believe it was just another way for the festival and authors to grab the headlines. Then there were those that commented commending the authors that stood for freedom of speech.
My Take-away
I’m writing to remind all of us that we live in a great country, the United States of America, where we have freedom of speech. Yeh, you’ve heard that ‘freedom of speech’ stuff a lot, but have you experienced someone’s displeasure with something you’ve written? Gotten a few bad reviews? That’s just a matter of taste. The reviewer has the right to express themselves freely too. I have to say I’ve never had an execution order put out on me for the Christian children’s books I’ve written. It never feels good when someone doesn’t like what you’ve done in book form, but I’m not living a life of looking over my shoulder like Rushdie. I thank God I live where I have freedom to freely write and speak what I believe. My faith reminds me that I need to pray for all the leaders in our country to receive wisdom so I can live in peace. Good advice for our time!
How do you feel about living in the USA and freedom of speech? Have you prayed for your leaders consistently?
Donna,
I do thank God that I am an American. I can’t imagine living elsewhere. I try not to take my freedom and rights for granted, but perhaps I am in a way because I don’t consistently pray for our leaders.
Thanks for talking about this and reminding us that everybody, no matter how big and powerful can use prayer.
Have a blessed day!
Linda Kinsman recently posted..Springtime Countdown!
Thank you for the reminder of freedom of speech, and to pray for our leaders. Although I’m a prayer warrior and pray for revival, I don’t pray enough for our leaders. Another thought I’ve had frequently is how we need to pray for a revival in Hollywood. Like it or not, Hollywood pulls a lot of weight in our culture due to its powerful influence on the public. Thanks again for the reminder.
Cherrie,
It’s so good to hear from others that they are praying as the Spirit of God leads them. Regarding govenment, there’s a strong pull on us to fall into complain and fret mode when it comes to those in power over our nation…state…cities. Since ” We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalites and wickedness in high places”, our most valuable response will be prayer mixed with faith.
Hollywood is in need of prayer as so many in the world use it as their ‘measuring stick’. Thank you for reminding all of us to include them in our prayers.
Actually i don’t remember this man named Salman Rushdie. thank you for posting this and I was informed. Prayer still the best thing to do.
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Tessa,
His book was published in 1989 and you may have been too young to remember. You’re right when you say, “Prayer is still the best thing to do.” Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Donna
I live in Southern Ireland and I am thankful for that. It is a privilege to live freely and peacefully. We all need to pray for our leaders no matter what country we live in.
Claire Hegarty B recently posted..It’s Happened at Last….. The Icing On The Cake!
Good to hear that from someone in another country! Your comment is an eye-opener….glad you stopped by, Claire!
Satanic verses was published on sept 1988, not 1989, he received the fatwa in 1989
Remember there’s another book written about his companion on how he was during his hiding—he said Rushdie was suicidal…it’s like constantly fearing that you won’t wake up the next day…
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It’s been since the late 80′s since I’ve seen Rushdie’s name and I was never really sure what came about him and his life. As an American who enjoys her freedom, I’m glad that others in this world can express themselves and their opinions and live freely.
I agree! I appreciate living in the US, enjoying freedom to express myself and living free.