UK Guardian: Iraqi shoe-thrower sentenced to three years in jail

[mod mom]

Iraqi shoe-thrower sentenced to three years in jail
Journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi had pleaded not guilty to charge of aggression against George Bush

Michael Howard in Erbil and agencies
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 12 March 2009

The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at George Bush, gaining instant hero status in much of the Arab world, has today been sentenced to three years in prison.

Muntazer al-Zaidi, 30, who worked for the al-Baghdadiya television channel, shouted "Long live Iraq" when the sentence was read out.

Zaidi had earlier pleaded not guilty and said his actions were a "natural response to the occupation".

He was given the three-year sentence for assaulting a foreign head of state during an official visit.

After the verdict was announced, his relatives erupted in anger, shouting that the decision was unjust and unfair. Some collapsed and had to be helped from the court. Others were forcibly removed by security forces as they shouted "Down with Bush" and "Long live Iraq".

-snip

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/12/iraqi-shoe-thrower-trial-resumes

Prior to the start of the trial, Zaidi claimed he had been beaten and tortured while in custody.

[marmar]

1. The charge: Attempted Assault of a Deadly Idiot

n/t

[Voice for Peace]

2. LOL. I am glad at least it wasn't a longer sentence, or worse. nt