Middle East News
Bush's shoe attacker both praised and vilified across Iraq legal representation and protests (Roundup)
Dec 15, 2008, 13:21 GMT
Baghdad (dap) - Offers of legal representation have begun pouring in for the Iraqi journalist arrested after throwing his shoes at US President George W Bush during a Sunday press conference.
Montasser al-Zaidi, 28, a reporter for al-Baghdadiyia television has been elevated to hero status in some corners of Iraq for his 'unprofessional' act as Bush paid a farewell visit to Baghad.
According to the Iraqi Committee to Protect Journalists, 50 attorneys have already offered legal representation to al-Zaidi. 'We still don't know on what charges he's been accused,' said Ibrahim al- Zarazi.
Al-Baghdadiyia has demanded al-Zaidi's release, citing 'democracy and freedom of expression.'
During the press conference, al-Zaidi stood up and hurled his shoes, one after another, at Bush. Bush dodged both as Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki tried to bat the shoes away from the American president.
During the incident, al-Zaidi also referred to Bush as a 'dog' in Arabic. In Arab cultures being attacked with shoes is a sign of profound disrespect, as is being called a dog.
Bush adroitly dodged both shoes. He joked afterward that they were 'a size ten.'
Across Iraq, many groups were rallying to al-Zaidi's cause.
'We congratulate him for his act,' said the Iraqi news agency INA on Monday. The agency is known for being critical of the government.
The Sunni Council of Religious Scholars spoke of the demonstration as a 'historic moment' in which Bush and the world were shown 'what Iraqis think of the occupation.'
On Monday, hundreds of Iraqi followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gathered in Basra to protest Bush's visit, noting that it had been planned at the last minute and without the permission of the Iraqi government. That impinged on Iraq's sovereignty, they argued.
But there was some criticism as well.
Ziad al-Ajili, chairman of the Iraq's Organization for Press Freedom, however condemned al-Zaidi's 'unprofessional behaviour.' The Iraqi cabinet, meanwhile, demanded an 'official apology for the attack on the US president, who was our guest,' from the broadcaster, which is based in Cairo.
Al-Zaidi has been employed by the broadcaster since 2003. Two years ago, he was kidnapped in front of his house and held for two weeks.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Middle East
- 1. Jerusalem prelate tells Arab Spring youth to have confidence
- 2. More than 100 killed in Syria ahead of ceasefire deadline
- 3. At least 43 killed in Syria, despite UN criticism
- 4. 19 killed in Syria as ceasefire deadline approaches
- 5. Pilgrims flock to Jerusalem for Easter, Passover
Older Talkback
page: 1
Finally, someone had guts to throw at least a shoe at the criminal. Symbolic it may be but it tells the whole story. 'We are libretaors and they will throw garlands at us' is what he said. hahaha.
Most Americans should be ashamed of themself who continued suffering at his hands and had no guts to show the door many years ago to this moron who not only destroyed his own country's financial system but also rest of the world's.
@Sal
I don't know from which world u've come from..because in this world 'Bush IS the problem'.
There were no suicide bombers in Iraq before US invaded it.
Iraqis and others(i believe u're referring to the americans) surely throw shoes and grenades and bullets at each other.
that's why USA is called an occupying force in Iraq. The people of Iraq don't want them there. They did not invite the americans.
Bush came to Iraq UNINVITED !! Do u get it ??!!
page: 1
SalDec 15th, 2008 - 13:43:15
The problem is not Bush , the problem is the shoe thrower . Iraqis (and others) have been throwing shoes and grenades and bullets at each other for decades .
Bush is gone , suicide bombers and others will continue to murder for any reason they can think of , they have always done it they will continue to do it .
Report this comment