Rushdie's security downgraded

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON, DEC. 11. For the first time since Iran issued a fatwa against the novelist, Salman Rushdie, virtually putting him under a death sentence for writing

The Satanic Verses, he is considered safe enough to have only ``minimal'' security and consequently his protection level is to be ``downgraded'', The Sunday Times reported on Sunday.

Mr. Rushdie who now lives in New York, deserting London earlier this year because of its ``bitchy'' literary squabbles, may now have as little security as any high-profile celebrity - maybe just one securityman or simply electronic surveillance at home.

There is apparently no need for the sort of elaborate security precautions - forcing him to wear disguises, relocating him constantly, booking hotel rooms in false names - that have become a part of the ``Rushdie folklore'' in the past decade.

The British Intelligence Service MI5 is reported to have advised that the risk of a State-sponsored killing is ``low level, possibly minimal'' though a threat from individual fanatics is not ruled out.

Eventually the level of protection would be decided by the police as the Intelligence service can only advise on the level of threat perception.

While in the U.S., Mr. Rushdie's security would be handled by the American secret service, according to The Sunday Times report which said that a ``special deal'' had been negotiated with Washington on this.

Mr. Rushdie's security, which is estimated to cost 1 million pounds a year, has triggered many controversies with people questioning why public money should be spent on protecting an individual particularly when he is seen to have ``brought it upon himself.''

Recently two British Muslim peers asked the Government to withdraw his security accusing him of hurting Muslim ``sentiments''.

Mr. Rushdie, on the other hand, has been unhappy with the British Government for not ``clarifying'' that it does not pay the cost of protection.

Contrary to the widespread impression he claims that he has been paying for his security, the Government simply providing the men and the physical support.

Although the fatwa was withdrawn by the Iranian Government in 1998 after the death of Ayotallah Khomeini, the more extremist Muslims have maintained that a fatwa once issued cannot be withdrawn by anybody other than the person who issued it in the first place.

Muslim fanatics in Britain say that the fatwa remains valid.

There is a view that given the passions on the issue newspapers should be more cautious in reporting Mr. Rushdie's security arrangements.

Publicity about downgrading his protection could actually jeopardise his security, it is stated.

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Section  : International
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