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Trial Postponed for Iraqi Shoe Hurler

Unrepentant journalist says chucking shoes at Bush was protest against US occupation

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 19, 2009 8:05 AM CST

(Newser) – The trial of an Iraqi journalist who chucked his shoes at President Bush has been delayed until next month, reports the BBC. The court first needs to consult with the Iraqi government on whether Bush's visit to Iraq was formal or informal, according to the judge. Munthadar al-Zaidi is charged with assaulting a foreign leader and faces 15 years in jail if convicted.

Supporters cheered al-Zaidi and draped an Iraqi flag around his shoulders as he arrived in court today, his first public appearance since his arrest and imprisonment two months ago. His lawyers, who lost an appeal to have the charge reduced to insulting a leader, are pushing to have the case dismissed. They say al-Zaidi—who told the judge the shoe-hurling was a protest against the US occupation—stands by his action and will not apologize to Bush.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Protesters hang a sign outside the Iraqi Embassy in Washington late last year calling for the release of the man who threw his shoes at President Bush. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Family members sit at the home of Iraqi journalist Munthadar al-Zaidi. who threw his shoes at President Bush in Baghdad during a news conference last year. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi. (AP Photo)

Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi throws a shoe at President Bush last year during a news conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci, File)

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A report on the shoe-throwing incident Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi is being tried for. (YourNumber1Source)

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Trial Postponed for Iraqi Shoe Hurler