In February 1989, the Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, a legal ruling in Islamic jurisprudence, calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, the author of the controversial novel 'The Satanic Verses'. The book, published in 1988, sparked outrage among many Muslims who considered its portrayal of Islamic themes and figures to be blasphemous. The fatwa declared that killing Rushdie was an obligation for all Muslims, igniting widespread protests and discussions surrounding freedom of speech, censorship, and the intersection of religion and literature. The fatwa included a bounty of over three million dollars on Rushdie's head, which led to protests across various countries, including India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, where many called for the book to be banned. Rushdie was forced into hiding and lived under police protection for several years as a direct result of this decree. The aftermath of the fatwa saw increased debates about the limits of artistic expression and the rights of authors versus religious sentiments, with many defending Rushdie's right to write freely without fear of persecution.

The fatwa not only affected Rushdie personally but also had broader implications for free expression globally. It raised important questions about the clash between liberal democratic values and religious fundamentalism. The response to the fatwa split international opinion; some defended the fatwa as a legitimate religious expression, while others condemned it as an attack on free speech. The incident had lasting effects on the publishing industry, as many authors began to self-censor their own works to avoid similar controversies. Various literary festivals and forums faced pressure regarding inviting authors who may tackle sensitive subjects, revealing a chilling effect on artistic freedom. Khomeini's assassination call also influenced future interactions between Western and Islamic communities, complicating the already sensitive discourse surrounding cultural and religious respect.