US imposes sanctions on Iran foundation over Salman Rushdie attack

Writer recovering after losing sight in one eye in assault at western New York literary event

People attend a rally in support of author Salman Rushdie in New York. Getty Images / AFP

One week after Rushdie was stabbed while on stage, a gathering was held to read selected works by the British author outside the New York Public Library. AFP

Rushdie was attacked and stabbed multiple times while giving a talk at the Chautauqua Institution. Getty Images / AFP

His accused attacker pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault. Getty Images / AFP

Jennifer Egan, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and president of freedom of speech non-profit PEN America, speaks in show of solidarity with Rushdie. Getty Images / AFP

Egan won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for A Visit From the Goon Squad. Getty Images / AFP

Rushdie wrote the controversial novel 'The Satanic Verses'. Getty Images / AFP

Police officers guard the steps of the New York Public Library to show support for Rushdie. Getty Images / AFP

Supporters carry home-made signs. Getty Images / AFP

The rally was held between the iconic New York Public Library lions. Getty Images / AFP

Rushdie's attacker was named as Hadi Matar of New Jersey. Getty Images / AFP

US leaders, including President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken condemned the attack on Rushdie. Getty Images / AFP

Rushdie made a name for himself in the US as a champion of free speech. Getty Images / AFP

Rushdie spent years under police protection after Iranian leaders called for his killing over his portrayal of Islam. Getty Images / AFP

Hasan Mujtaba, a poet of Pakistani origin, attends the event. Getty Images / AFP

Poet and activist Reginald Dwayne Betts speaks. Getty Images / AFP

A man holds a sign that reads: #StandWithSalman. AFP

Though severely injured, Rushdie is recovering well, family members and friends say. AFP

A police officer watches as writers gather to read Rushdie's works. Getty Images / AFP

The US on Friday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based organisation that raised money to target British-American author Salman Rushdie, who was attacked in August at a literary event.

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed sanctions on the 15 Khordad Foundation, which had issued a multimillion-dollar bounty for the killing of Mr Rushdie.

His 1988 novel The Satanic Verses is considered blasphemous by some Muslims.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US condemns the attack on Mr Rushdie “in the strongest terms as a blatant assault on freedom of speech and an act of terrorism”.

American officials say as recently as 2012, the 15 Khordad Foundation raised its bounty to $3.3 million, claiming the full sum would be given to anyone who assassinated the author.

A man stormed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution in the US state of New York and began assaulting Salman Rushdie as he was being introduced. AP

Rushdie, whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was attacked on Friday while giving a lecture in western New York. AP

Bloodstains mark a screen on the stage where Rushdie was attacked. AP

Rushdie, behind screen left, is tended to after being attacked on stage. AP

Rushdie’s condition was not immediately known. AP

Concerns about the author's security have been raised in the past. AP

Iranian women hold banners during a demonstration against Rushdie in Tehran. AFP

Pro-Iranian Hezbollah protesters burn an effigy of Rushdie in Beirut, Lebanon. AFP

Though born in India, Rushdie has lived mostly between London and New York City. Reuters

Mr Rushdie’s agent says the author has lost sight in one eye and the use of a hand as he recovers from an attack by a man who rushed the stage at the event in western New York.

The main suspect, Hadi Matar, 24, from New Jersey with roots in Lebanon, was arrested immediately after the attack. He pleaded not guilty during a hearing in New York state in mid-August.

Mr Blinken said the 15 Khordad Foundation is also being designated for diplomatic penalties for “providing financial support for an act of terrorism,” denying access to property or financial assets in the US and freedom to travel to the US.

Brian Nelson, Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said: “The US will not waver in its determination to stand up to threats posed by Iranian authorities against the universal rights of freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of the press.

“This act of violence, which has been praised by the Iranian regime, is appalling. We all hope for Salman Rushdie’s speedy recovery following the attack on his life.”

The US has hit Iran’s government with a host of sanctions this year for a variety of actions related to human rights abuses, including most recently after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police in Tehran in September.

News wires contributed reporting