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BBC to air Rushdie fatwa documentary

BBC2 is to screen a feature-length documentary marking the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Satanic Verses and the fatwa on author Sir Salman Rushdie.

Rushdie himself declined to take part in the as-yet-untitled 90-minute film, although it is understood he is not against the programme being made and his son and sister will take part.

However, it is understood the BBC has run into some trouble among those who were involved in the original publication of the book who do not want to speak about it.

"Most of the core people involved feel very strongly even today that they should keep quiet on any matters relating to The Satanic Verses and that it was enough that the hardcover [of the book] was kept in print throughout," one publishing source said.

The film will look at the publication of The Satanic Verses and the subsequent controversy which erupted after some Muslims claimed it insulted their religion...
Read entire article at Guardian (UK)