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Knighthood goes to author Rushdie Knighthood goes to author Rushdie
(10 minutes later)
Author Salman Rushdie has been knighted by the Queen, despite the award being condemned by Muslims around the world when it was announced last year. Writer Salman Rushdie has been knighted by the Queen for his services to literature.
The author, 61, who has written a number of acclaimed books, received his knighthood for services to literature. The award was condemned by Muslims around the world last year when it was announced that the 61-year-old would recieve the honour.
However, the decision was strongly criticised by a number of countries including Pakistan and Iran. Sir Salman's book, The Satanic Verses, sparked protests by Muslims when it was published in 1989.
Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against Sir Salman in 1989 over his book The Satanic Verses. He went into hiding after Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him.
RetaliateRetaliate
The novel sparked protests by Muslims around the world, with copies publicly burned on the streets of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Khomeini called the book a blasphemy against Islam and sentenced Sir Salman to death.Khomeini called the book a blasphemy against Islam and sentenced Sir Salman to death.
Sir Salman was forced into hiding, but since returning to public life in 1998 when the Iranian government lifted their support for the fatwa, he has not shied away from controversy. Since returning to public life in 1998 when the Iranian government lifted their support for the fatwa, Sir Salaman has not shied away from controversy.
At the time of the announcement the novelist said he was "thrilled and humbled" to receive the "great honour".At the time of the announcement the novelist said he was "thrilled and humbled" to receive the "great honour".
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the decision to praise the "apostate" showed Islamophobia among British officials.Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the decision to praise the "apostate" showed Islamophobia among British officials.
In July Osama Bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, threatened to retaliate against Britain if Mr Rushdie was presented with his award.In July Osama Bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, threatened to retaliate against Britain if Mr Rushdie was presented with his award.
However, Home Secretary John Reid said the government stood by the decision to honour the writer.However, Home Secretary John Reid said the government stood by the decision to honour the writer.