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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Iraqi Shoe Thrower's Prison Release Delayed

Family ready to celebrate reporter's defiance

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(AP) – The Iraqi reporter jailed for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush will not be released today as planned due to paperwork processing delays, his brother says. Muntadhar al-Zeidi's family had gathered at dawn outside an Iraqi army base where he was expected to be released from prison. After waiting more than five hours, his brother said al-Zeidi called to tell him he wouldn't be released until tomorrow.

The family said it will stage a sit-in outside the base tomorrow until he is released, and called for other Iraqis to join them. They had been preparing a festive welcome for the reporter after his nine months behind bars. At his family's home in Baghdad yesterday, relatives were already celebrating, waving Iraqi flags and hanging balloons and posters of the reporter. Al-Zeidi's act of protest last December made him an instant hero across the Arab world.

In this Dec. 14, 2008 file photo, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi throws a shoe at President George W. Bush during a new conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad, Iraq.
In this Dec. 14, 2008 file photo, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi throws a shoe at President George W. Bush during a new conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
A relative of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, who threw his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad earlier this year, waves an Iraqi flag.
A relative of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, who threw his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad earlier this year, waves an Iraqi flag.   (Khalid Mohammed)
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi celebrate as they wave Iraqi flags and hold posters bearing al-Zeidi's photograph.
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi celebrate as they wave Iraqi flags and hold posters bearing al-Zeidi's photograph.   (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
A young relative of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi stands next to his poster as his family awaits his release.
A young relative of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi stands next to his poster as his family awaits his release.   (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi wave Iraqi flags as they expect his release from prison after nine months.
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi wave Iraqi flags as they expect his release from prison after nine months.   (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi Celebrate during preparations for his release from jail, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.
Relatives of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi Celebrate during preparations for his release from jail, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
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4 comments
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LibertyMan
Sep 14, 09 9:41 AM CDT
You mean his job in the Obama Administration hasn't been finalized yet? Come guys, give him the salary he wants and stop haggling. You need him on health care. Reply
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DJM420
Sep 14, 09 9:57 AM CDT
oozing of wit and charm!
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
passinthru
Sep 14, 09 10:02 AM CDT
he wants healthcare...so it looks like a stalemate.
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-1
WallyEFunk
Sep 14, 09 11:33 AM CDT
One country scream out lier, and Ur a Hero to some in Iraq they throw a shoe. Just throwing that though out there. : ) Reply
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