Salman Rushdie Thanks Heroes Who Saved Him in First Public Appearance Since Attack.
Salman Rushdie made his first public appearance since being attacked at a literary event, where he was stabbed and lost sight in one eye. He attended the Pen America gala to accept the Pen Centenary Courage award and praised the people who saved his life during the attack, saying they were the true heroes. Rushdie also spoke about the importance of protecting free expression and Pen America's mission. The gala also awarded the Pen/Barbey Freedom to Write award to imprisoned Iranian writer and human rights defender Narges Mohammadi.