What evidence links Hadi Matar to Hezbollah and Iran?

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Hadi Matar Convicted of Terrorism Charges Linked to Hezbollah and Iran

A federal jury has convicted Hadi Matar of engaging in an act of terrorism for his role in the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie. Investigators discovered materials associated with the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at Matar's residence. Federal prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Matar acted in accordance with a fatwa calling for Rushdie's execution, a directive originally issued by Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and later reaffirmed by Ali Khamenei.
Materials Linking Matar to Hezbollah Found at Residence

During the investigation into the attack on Salman Rushdie, law enforcement officials uncovered incriminating materials at Hadi Matar's home. These items were identified as belonging to Hezbollah, the militant group supported by Iran. The discovery of these materials formed a key part of the prosecution's case in linking Matar to the organisation.
Matar Followed Fatwa Issued by Iranian Leaders

Federal prosecutors argued that Matar's actions were motivated by a religious edict, or fatwa, that called for Rushdie's death. This fatwa was first issued in 1989 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the former leader of Iran, following the publication of Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses. The prosecution highlighted that this directive was reaffirmed in 2017 by Iran's current Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, demonstrating a continued call for Rushdie's execution from Iranian leadership.
Association with Terroristic Values of Iranian Leaders

US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo stated that Hadi Matar "chose to align his values with the terroristic values of the leaders of Iran." This assertion by the prosecution framed Matar's attack not as an isolated incident, but as a deliberate alignment with what they described as the extremist ideology promoted by Iranian authorities. The attack itself was characterised as a stark illustration of the extensive influence and reach of Iranian-sponsored terrorism globally.

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What evidence links Hadi Matar to Hezbollah and Iran?

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