JACK Straw has said he understands Muslim concerns about the controversial knight-hood of Salman Rusdie - but was baffled by his books.
The Blackburn MP and Leader of the House of Commons condemned the idea that the author, who provoked controversy with his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, should be the subject of a new fatwa.
Sir Salman was given a knighthood last week for his literary efforts.
The issue was brought up in the House of Commons and Mr Straw said: "I'm afraid I found his books rather difficult and I've never managed to get to the end of any of them. I'm afraid his writing has defeated me."
"I understand the concerns and sensitivity in the community.
"That said, there can be no justification whatever for suggestions that as a result of this a further fatwa should be placed on the life of Mr Rushdie."
The Satanic Verses was condemned across the Islamic world and led to Iranian theocrat Ayatollah Khomeini encouraging Muslims to kill the author, forcing the British Government to give him round-the-clock protection.
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