Rushdie warns free expression under threat in rare public address after attack

Salman Rushdie has made a public speech nine months after being stabbed and seriously injured onstage, warning that freedom of expression in the West is under its most severe threat of his lifetime. Photo: AP

Writer Salman Rushdie has made a public speech, nine months after being stabbed and seriously injured onstage, warning that freedom of expression in the West is under its most severe threat in his lifetime.

Rushdie delivered a video message to the British Book Awards, where he was awarded the Freedom to Publish award on Monday evening. Organisers said the honour "acknowledges the determination of authors, publishers and booksellers who take a stand against intolerance, despite the ongoing threats they face.”