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Iraqi Judge: Shoe-Tosser Was Beaten

He opens probe, says case against journalist could be dropped

By the Associated Press

Posted Dec 19, 2008 9:38 AM CST

(AP) – The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush was beaten afterward and had bruises on his face and around his eyes, a judge said today. Judge Dhia al-Kinani, the magistrate investigating the incident, said the court has opened an investigation into the treatment of Muntadhar al-Zaidi. "We will write an official letter asking for the names of those who assaulted him," the judge said. "Al-Zeidi has the right to drop this case."

Security forces wrestled him to the ground after he threw his shoes, and conflicting claims on his condition have emerged since then. One of his brothers said he was harshly beaten, but another said he seemed to be in good condition. He remains in custody and is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader. A conviction could bring a sentence of two years in prison.

A sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi watches a video of her brother throwing shoes at the US President Bush, at his apartment in in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec.15, 2008.
A sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi watches a video of her brother throwing shoes at the US President Bush, at his apartment in in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec.15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
This undated portrait made available Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, by his family shows Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi.
This undated portrait made available Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, by his family shows Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi.   (AP Photo)
Iraqis raise their shoes as hundreds demanded a release for Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.
Iraqis raise their shoes as hundreds demanded a release for Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush hold banners with his portrait and slogan that calls for his release.
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush hold banners with his portrait and slogan that calls for his release.   (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 3:59 AM CST
Don't condone the actions of that reporter, regardless of how you feel about President Bush, it's an insult to our country. The man wasn't brave, he was fully aware he wouldn't face harsh sanctions for his actions
alienvv
Dec 21, 2008 9:11 PM CST
He is brave now, when Saddam is gone... he would be beheaded right there if he did this to Saddam. The whole story proved that, thanks to Bush democracy is taking place in Iraq now..
Guest
Dec 19, 2008 2:31 AM CST
So do I.........

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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