“Iranian institutions have been inciting violence against Rushdie for years and the state media in recent days have rejoiced over the attack against him. All this is despicable ”.
The first member of the Biden administration to openly condemn Tehran for the stabbing of Salman Rushdie is Secretary of State Antony Blinken . For its part, Iran “categorically” denies any link with the aggressor.
"The US State Department joins those in the United States and around the world who are turning their thoughts to Salman Rushdie in the aftermath of this hateful attack," Blinken's note read.
“Not just a giant of literature, Rushdie has always fought for the universal value of freedom of expression, of faith and of the press - the words of the Secretary of State -. As law enforcement continues their investigation, we must not forget that there are dangerous forces seeking to undermine these rights, including through incitement to hatred and violence. Specifically , the Iranian institutions have incited violence against the writer for years and the state media in recent days have rejoiced over the attack against him ".
“The United States and its partners will not waver in determination to resist these threats, using every appropriate tool at our disposal. The strength of Rushdie, and that of all those around the world who have endured such threats, increases our resolve and underlines the imperative to remain united as an international community against those who would like to challenge these universal rights, ”concludes Blinken.
Biden was heavily criticized by Republicans for not explicitly accusing Tehran (after the publication of "The Satanic Verses" the writer was "sentenced to death" by Ayatollah Khomeini who launched a fatwa) and for not interrupting negotiations on nuclear.
(Unioneonline / L)
