Salman Rushdie's Video Address at Jaipur Lit Fest Called Off

The much awaited video address by controversial author Salman Rushdie at the Jaipur Literature Festival was called off on Jan. 24, 2012 following protests by some Muslim groups. The decision caused deep disappointment among writers, organizers and visitors alike who called it a slap on the freedom of expression.

Addressing the audience in the crowded front lawns of Diggi Palace, which swarmed with police, writers and, of course, visitors to the fest, the owner of the venue, Ram Pratap Singh, said he "could not allow the conference to he held because of the security threat."

Minutes before Rushdie was to speak via video link, dozens of Muslims started praying in the courtyard of the Diggi Palace. They tried to downplay the link with Rushdie's speech but some of them threatened trouble and even bloodshed if the video conferencing by a "criminal writer" went ahead.

Rushdie, author of the banned book "The Satanic Verses," had called off his visit to the festival over security fears. The organizers had then said he would address the event by a video link. But in the end, even this had to be cancelled.