General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Freedom of speech or provocation? [View all]cali
(114,904 posts)On 14 February 1989, the day of the funeral of his close friend Bruce Chatwin, a fatwā requiring Rushdie's execution was proclaimed on Radio Tehran by Ayatollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of Iran at the time, calling the book "blasphemous against Islam" (chapter IV of the book depicts the character of an Imam in exile who returns to incite revolt from the people of his country with no regard for their safety). A bounty was offered for Rushdie's death, and he was thus forced to live under police protection for several years. On 7 March 1989, the United Kingdom and Iran broke diplomatic relations over the Rushdie controversy.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Rushdie#Failed_assassination_attempt_and_Hezbollah.27s_comments
Just think, Rushdie offended people. He should never have written "The Satanic Verses". He provoked them.