Bounty raised on Rushdie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HOPES THAT Salman Rushdie, the author, could return to normal life after 10 years in hiding came into question yesterday after an Iranian religious foundation increased the bounty on his head.
"The bodyguards stay for now. Salman's situation is being reviewed but I expect he will remain very cautious. We always knew this was going to be a vulnerable time," said Frances D'Souza, spokeswoman for Article 19, the human rights group.
An Iranian newspaper reported yesterday that the head of the 15th of Khordad Foundation had increased its $2.5m bounty on the British author's head by $300,000. Last Saturday, a hardline student group was also reported to have offered one billion rials ($333,000) to anyone who carried out the fatwa (religious order) to kill Mr Rushdie.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late Iranian revolutionary leader, issued the fatwa against the author for alleged blasphemy in his book The Satanic Verses.
"We had deliberately been keeping quiet about (the bounty issue), thinking things needed to settle down. But we are getting increasingly worried. The Foundation's decision is much more worrying (than the students')." said Ms D'Souza.
Mr Rushdie, having spent the last 10 years under British police protection, had hailed Iran's decision last month to end official calls for his death as the beginning of his return to normality. The author will meet Robin Cook, Foreign Secretary, in the next two days to discuss recent developments, she said.
The Foreign Office deplored any attempt to put a price on a British citizen's head and said that no bounty offer had the backing of the Iranian authorities.
Never the less, Ms D'Souza suggested the Foundation must have had the implicit blessing of Tehran as no religious organisation could operate without state permission.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments