Arab World Head-Over-Heels About Return of 'Hero' Shoe-Tosser

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»

Zaidi convicted of assaulting a foreign head of state

(NEWSER) - The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at George W. Bush during a Baghdad press conference has been sentenced to three years in prison, the Guardian reports. Muntadar al-Zaidi had pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting a foreign head of state, saying his actions were "a natural response to the occupation." His family erupted in anger at the decision, delivered in a Green Zone court normally used for terrorism cases. More»

(NEWSER) - No wonder he came so close: The Iraqi journalist who chucked his shoes at George Bush practiced two years in advance and even videotaped taped himself doing so, USA Today reports. However, Muntadhar al-Zeidi said he didn't know he'd go through with it until he saw Bush "smiling icily" at the press conference. He said he's been tortured with beatings and electric shocks while awaiting trial, which has now been adjourned until next month. More»

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

(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. 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»