What's happened
Salman Rushdie questions the Royal Society of Literature's impartiality towards attacks on writers after an attempt on his life in New York in 2022.
Why it matters
Salman Rushdie's public questioning of the Royal Society of Literature's stance on defending authors facing threats highlights the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and the protection of writers. This event underscores the importance of supporting writers in the face of censorship and violence, shaping the future discourse on literary freedom and safety.
What the papers say
David Sanderson reports for The Times that Salman Rushdie has criticized the Royal Society of Literature for its perceived lack of support following the attempt on his life. Rushdie's questioning of the society's impartiality has sparked a debate within the literary community about the role of institutions in defending writers. The differing perspectives within the society, as highlighted by Sanderson, show a divide on how to address attacks on authors and the importance of standing up for freedom of expression.
How we got here
Salman Rushdie, known for his novel 'The Satanic Verses,' faced a fatwa in 1989 that forced him into hiding for nearly a decade. The recent incident in 2022, where Rushdie was almost killed on stage, reignited discussions about the protection of writers and the responsibilities of literary organizations. The Royal Society of Literature has faced criticism for its handling of these situations, leading to a broader conversation about the support writers receive in the face of threats.
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