IRAQUI SHOE THROWER THREATENS LAW SUIT

// December 22nd, 2008 // Hott Look@Politics

a bold move, under bold circumstances

“He told me that he has no regret because of what he did and that he would do it again”

By John Charles Reedburg

Why blame him?

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at GEORGE BUSH was tortured into writing a letter of apology, his brother claimed today.

MUNTAZAR AL-ZAIDI was wrestled to the ground after throwing his shoes during a news conference on 14 December held by Bush and the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.

The investigating judge in the case acknowledged last week that Zaidi was beaten around the face and eyes.

But the journalist’s brother, Uday, said his brother suffered more severe injuries, including a missing tooth and cigarette burns to his ears, and would sue.

Zaidi is in custody and faces up to two years’ jail for insulting a foreign leader. The prime minister’s office said last week that Zaidi had written a letter of apology and asked Maliki to recommend a pardon.

Uday al-Zaidi said his brother told him the apology letter was written against his will because of the torture inflicted on him during his detention, including being doused with cold water while naked.

“He told me that he has no regret because of what he did and that he would do it again,” Uday said.

“The thing that makes you cry and laugh at the same time is that when the prime minister said that that my brother was not tortured and will not be tortured, he was under severe torture by security authorities.”

The prime minister said Zaidi admitted in the letter that a known terrorist had induced him to throw the shoes.

“He revealed … that a person provoked him to commit this act and that person is known to us for slitting throats,” Maliki said, according to the prime minister’s website. The alleged instigator was not named.

The prime minister said his government remained “committed to protecting the journalist in performing his professional duty” and guaranteed him the right to practise his profession “on condition that he does not violate the dignity of others”.

Neither Bush nor Maliki have sought charges, but investigating judge Dhia al-Kinani said last week he did not have the legal option to drop the case.

Zaidi is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader. A conviction could bring two years’ imprisonment. The trial was expected to begin on 31 December, Uday al-Zaidi said.

Footage of Zaidi bombarding Bush was repeatedly broadcast worldwide and he has become a potent symbol for opponents of the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. Thousands of Iraqis have rallied to demand his release.