By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON – Chautauqua Establishment, the bucolic New York retreat the place Salman Rushdie was attacked final week, has added new safety measures, together with requiring photograph identification and passing via steel detectors previous to getting into its venues.
Rushdie, 75, was set to ship a lecture on creative freedom on the western New York venue final week when a person rushed the stage and stabbed the Indian-born author. Rushdie has lived with a bounty on his head since his novel “The Satanic Verses” was printed in 1988 and prompted Iran’s then supreme chief, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to concern a fatwa urging Muslims to kill him.
The establishment was seen as a haven the place writers and artists gathered every summer time with out security worries. Nevertheless, the assault on Rushdie has prompted a rethink of safety measures.
On the occasion throughout which Rushdie was attacked, members of the viewers stated there have been no bag checks, steel detectors or related safety measures in place. Attendees bought a move to enter via the primary gates after which had their passes scanned to get into the amphitheater.
The establishment stated on its web site it can now be requiring photograph identification for entry to the grounds and there will likely be further safety screening at venues, together with steel detectors previous to getting into the amphitheater and different venues. It added there was no new or identified imminent menace and that it was implementing further protocols “out of an abundance of warning.”
The establishment additionally stated it can implement a “no luggage” coverage within the amphitheater and different indoor venues.
The suspect who attacked Rushdie informed the New York Submit he revered Khomeini however wouldn't say if he was impressed by the fatwa issued by the previous Iranian chief.
The acclaimed creator’s agent stated on Sunday that Rushdie was off a ventilator and his well being was bettering.
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