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Shoe-Throwing Journo Beaten, Brother Alleges

Iraqi military denies claim and says man is healthy

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2008 1:00 PM CST

(Newser) – The journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush during a news conference 2 days ago has been beaten in custody, his brother told the BBC. The brother alleges that Muntadar al-Zaidi, 28, has a broken arm, broken ribs and internal bleeding, but the Iraqi military says the journalist is in good health and denied the claims.

Iraqis continue to mount demonstrations for al-Zaidi’s release while members of the Arab elite have bid on his weapon of protest. The former coach of the Iraqi football team has offered $100,000, while an anonymous Saudi Arabian has offered $10 million. Al-Zaidi’s boss at the al-Baghdadia TV station described him as an “open-minded man” who had “no ties with the former regime.”

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

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An Iraqi holds a banner featuring a picture of Muntadhar al-Zeidi, which reads "throw off your shoe," during a gathering to demand the journalist's release, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

This undated portrait made available Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, by his family shows Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi. (AP Photo)

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Muntadar al-Zaidi assaults President Bush with shoes. (mahmoomabarcha)

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Even if he has made a mistake, the government and the judiciary are broad-minded and we hope they consider his release because he has a family and he is still young.
- Mouyyad al-Lami, Iraqi Journalists' Union

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Shoe-Throwing Journo Beaten, Brother Alleges