Shoe-Chucker Gets Reduced Sentence

(NEWSER) - The Iraqi journalist jailed for throwing shoes at President Bush last year could be out as soon as Monday, his lawyer tells CNN today. Muntadar al-Zaidi had a 3-year sentence reduced to 1 on appeal, and that can be cut further for good behavior. “We are happy,” one of his brothers says, “like any detainee’s family would be happy for the release of its son after the bitter time he spent in jail.” More»

Iraqi military denies claim and says man is healthy

(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. More»

Journo's sole assault on Bush would likely have meant death under Saddam

(NEWSER) - Throwing a shoe at someone is hardly a positive gesture anywhere, but in Arab and Islamic countries, footwear is viewed as ritually unclean: Even mentioning your shoes while insulting someone carries vile significance, the BBC reports. Accidentally displaying an exposed sole is also considered insulting, so yesterday’s loafer-launching aimed at President Bush really was the worst journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi could muster. More»

Another man fires footwear of his own at Bush critic

(NEWSER) - The Iraqi journalist who famously chucked his shoes at George Bush got a taste of what it's like to be on the receiving end today. During a press conference in Paris to push his campaign for "victims of the US occupation," Muntadhar al-Zeidi had to duck when a critic stood up, yelled, "Here's another shoe for you," and let it fly. Like Bush, al-Zeidi managed to dodge successfully, reports AFP . More»

Reporter al-Zeidi leaves prison after tossing shoe at Bush last year

(NEWSER) - The Iraqi reporter who was locked up for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush says he was tortured in prison, the BBC reports. He was released today after nine months in a Baghdad jail, Reuters notes, and says he plans to identify those officials who tortured him. Relatives say he’s still scared for his life. “Today I am free again but my home is still a prison,” Muntadar al-Zaidi told reporters. More»