New York, USA: The trial of Hadi Matar, the 26-year-old accused of attempting to kill author Salman Rushdie, has begun with jury selection in New York. Matar was caught on video attacking Rushdie on stage at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022, leaving the 77-year-old writer with severe injuries, including the loss of his right eye.

Matar has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and assault. Rushdie, who has been under threat since publishing The Satanic Verses in 1988, is set to testify. In his memoir about the attack, he recalls believing he would not survive.

The trial has encountered delays, including an unsuccessful effort by Matar’s defense to relocate the case from Chautauqua. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Additionally, federal prosecutors have charged him with attempting to kill Rushdie as an act of terrorism and aiding Hezbollah.