Indian-origin British author Salman Rushdie has been named in the 'most-wanted list of Islam critics to kill' released by al-Qaeda in the new issue of its English online magazine.
The shocking article in the Inspire magazine read 'Wanted: Dead or alive for crimes against
Islam.'
A fatwa was issued against Rushdie by Iran's late leader Ayotollah Khomeini in 1989 over passages in his book The Satanic Verses.
Iran's Khordad Foundation has raised the reward offered for his killing by 500,000 pounds to 2.5 million pounds.
According to the Sun, the magazine also lists American pastor Terry Jones, who burned the Koran on a 9/11 anniversary, among its targets.
Alongside the images is the slogan: "Yes we can. A bullet a day keeps the infidel away."
The list includes Molly Norris, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Flemming Rose, Morris Swadiq, Salman Rushdie, Girt Wilders [sic], Lars Vilks, Stephane Charbonnie, Carsten Luste, Terry Jones, and Kurt Westergaard.
The article also states: “Defend Prophet Muhammad. Peace be upon him.”
The banned extremist web magazine is published by the Middle East Media Research Institute based in Washington D.C.
(With inputs from ANI and The Sun)