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UK Charges Wen Jibao's Shoe-Tosser

Faces public disorder charge; China sweeps incident under rug

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 3, 2009 6:13 AM CST

(Newser) – The Cambridge University protester who yesterday chucked a gray sneaker at the Chinese premier—and missed by a solid 3 feet—has been slapped with a public disorder charge for his trouble, reports the Telegraph. The 27-year-old will appear in British court next Tuesday. China voiced its continued ire over the incident, but managed to avoid mention of it in official press accounts at home, Reuters reports, highlighting instead the fact that Wen's speech won "sustained applause."

"The facts demonstrate that the despicable conduct of this troublemaker will win no sympathy, and will not hold back the tide of friendly cooperation between China and Britain." said a foreign ministry spokeswoman.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

A security guard picks up a shoe that was thrown towards Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the University of Cambridge, eastern England, Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Darren Staples, Pool)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gestures as he speaks at the University of Cambridge, England, Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Darren Staples, Pool)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers his speech at the University of Cambridge, England, Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Darren Staples, Pool)

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, right, and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, left, are seen inside 10 Downing Street, London, Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. Portrait at center is of Queen Elizabeth I. (AP Photo/Oli Scarff, Pool)

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A protester denounces Wen Jiabao as a "dictator" during a speech at Cambridge University. (Y0utube97)

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UK Charges Wen Jibao's Shoe-Tosser