Iraqi Shoe-Thrower Released

[We Are Muslims]

An Iraqi reporter who shot to worldwide fame when he hurled his shoes
at then US President George W. Bush was released from prison on
Tuesday.
Muntadar Al-Zeidi, whose outburst during a news conference last
December chimed with the feelings of many Iraqis toward the former US
leader, was met outside the jail by parliamentarians who support him,
his brother Uday Al-Zeidi said.
Al-Zeidi later flew to Syria on a private jet en route to Greece where
he will undergo medical treatment. “He is in an undisclosed place
because we fear for his life,” his brother said.
Al-Zeidi was sentenced to three years in jail but his sentence was
later reduced to one year.
“Today I am free again but my home is still a prison,” he told
reporters shortly after his release, a swipe at the continued US
military presence in Iraq.
Al-Zeidi said he was tortured after arrest. He said guards beat him
with cables, metal tubes and gave him electric shocks.
Al-Baghdadiya television showed footage of Al-Zeidi arriving at its
station surrounded by guards. He was wrapped in an Iraqi flag and wore
black sunglasses. On arrival, the staff at his TV station slaughtered
at least three sheep in his honor.
“The occupation invaded us under the pretext of liberation. It divided
brothers, neighbors, made our houses endless funeral tents and our
streets cemeteries,” he said.
Millions of people across the world saw online or TV footage of Al-
Zeidi throwing his shoes at Bush.
Many viewers, including in the United States, applauded the
journalist’s bravery. Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez called him
courageous. A Libyan group headed by Muammar Qaddafi’s daughter gave
him an award. Fathers from other Arab nations offered Al-Zeidi their
daughters as brides.

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