IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
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IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Peregrine(Endangered) Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:18 pm
The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at ex-President George W. Bush faces trial next week for allegedly assaulting a foreign leader after an appellate court refused to reduce the charge, a judicial official said Sunday.
Muntadhar al-Zeidi, 30, who won folk hero status throughout the Arab world for his protest, has been in custody since the Dec. 14 outburst at Bush's joint news conference with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
He had been due to stand trial in December but his defense team won a delay as it sought to reduce the charges to simply insulting Bush.
However, court spokesman Abdul-Sattar Bayrkdar said an appellate court rejected the request and ordered the journalist to face trial on Feb. 19 on the original charge. He did not say when the appeals court issued its decision.
Bayrkdar refused to speculate what sentence al-Zeidi might receive if convicted, saying it would be up to the court. The defense has said the assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The bizarre act of defiance transformed an obscure reporter from a minor TV station into a national hero to many Iraqis fed up with the nearly six-year U.S. presence here.
The case also drew worldwide attention and became a rallying cry throughout the Muslim world for critics who resent the U.S. invasion and occupation.
Thousands demonstrated for al-Zeidi's release and hailed his gesture, which came in the waning days of the Bush administration. The incident also embarrassed al-Maliki, who was standing next to Bush at the time.
Neither leader was injured, but Bush was forced to duck for cover as the journalist shouted in Arabic: "This is your farewell kiss, you dog! This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Al-Zeidi's lawyer, Dhia al-Saadi, said the defense would urge the court to consider his act as "a nationalistic expression" which was not intended to harm Bush physically but express opposition to "the occupation."
"This type of expression is well-known in America and Europe, where people throw eggs or rotten tomatoes at their leaders to express their rejection of their policies," al-Saadi told Associated Press Television News.
"When al-Zeidi threw his shoes at Bush, it was this kind of political expression. Therefore, there should be no criminal charges," he said.
Al-Zeidi was a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia, a satellite television station based in Cairo, Egypt. Station director Abdul-Hamid al-Saeh said he was disappointed that the charge was not reduced.
"We stress again that Muntadhar's case puts before the government a challenge that any democratic state must deal when it comes to an expression of opinion," he told The Associated Press by telephone.
Al-Zeidi's brother, Dhargham, said the family has not yet been informed of the trial date.
He also repeated complaints that relatives and lawyers have been denied access to al-Zeidi, saying authorities turned down the family's request to meet with him last Thursday.
"This court works according to orders from the Cabinet," the brother said. "He has been deprived of his simplest rights."
Al-Zeidi's family claims he was beaten and tortured in detention.
The investigating judge who reviewed the case said al-Zeidi had been struck about the face and eyes, apparently by Iraqi security agents who wrestled him to the floor after he hurled his shoes, forcing Bush to duck for cover.
One brother who visited al-Zeidi last month said he appeared in good shape and his injuries wounds had healed.
Dhargham al-Zeidi said his brother's guards threw him a birthday party last month complete with a cake.
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_shoe_thrower
Muntadhar al-Zeidi, 30, who won folk hero status throughout the Arab world for his protest, has been in custody since the Dec. 14 outburst at Bush's joint news conference with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
He had been due to stand trial in December but his defense team won a delay as it sought to reduce the charges to simply insulting Bush.
However, court spokesman Abdul-Sattar Bayrkdar said an appellate court rejected the request and ordered the journalist to face trial on Feb. 19 on the original charge. He did not say when the appeals court issued its decision.
Bayrkdar refused to speculate what sentence al-Zeidi might receive if convicted, saying it would be up to the court. The defense has said the assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The bizarre act of defiance transformed an obscure reporter from a minor TV station into a national hero to many Iraqis fed up with the nearly six-year U.S. presence here.
The case also drew worldwide attention and became a rallying cry throughout the Muslim world for critics who resent the U.S. invasion and occupation.
Thousands demonstrated for al-Zeidi's release and hailed his gesture, which came in the waning days of the Bush administration. The incident also embarrassed al-Maliki, who was standing next to Bush at the time.
Neither leader was injured, but Bush was forced to duck for cover as the journalist shouted in Arabic: "This is your farewell kiss, you dog! This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Al-Zeidi's lawyer, Dhia al-Saadi, said the defense would urge the court to consider his act as "a nationalistic expression" which was not intended to harm Bush physically but express opposition to "the occupation."
"This type of expression is well-known in America and Europe, where people throw eggs or rotten tomatoes at their leaders to express their rejection of their policies," al-Saadi told Associated Press Television News.
"When al-Zeidi threw his shoes at Bush, it was this kind of political expression. Therefore, there should be no criminal charges," he said.
Al-Zeidi was a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia, a satellite television station based in Cairo, Egypt. Station director Abdul-Hamid al-Saeh said he was disappointed that the charge was not reduced.
"We stress again that Muntadhar's case puts before the government a challenge that any democratic state must deal when it comes to an expression of opinion," he told The Associated Press by telephone.
Al-Zeidi's brother, Dhargham, said the family has not yet been informed of the trial date.
He also repeated complaints that relatives and lawyers have been denied access to al-Zeidi, saying authorities turned down the family's request to meet with him last Thursday.
"This court works according to orders from the Cabinet," the brother said. "He has been deprived of his simplest rights."
Al-Zeidi's family claims he was beaten and tortured in detention.
The investigating judge who reviewed the case said al-Zeidi had been struck about the face and eyes, apparently by Iraqi security agents who wrestled him to the floor after he hurled his shoes, forcing Bush to duck for cover.
One brother who visited al-Zeidi last month said he appeared in good shape and his injuries wounds had healed.
Dhargham al-Zeidi said his brother's guards threw him a birthday party last month complete with a cake.
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_shoe_thrower
Peregrine(Endangered)-
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Sun Feb 08, 2009 6:37 pm
I thought it one of the funniest moments in recent politcal history. 
The boy should be given a medal.
Brilliant.
The boy should be given a medal.
Brilliant.
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by CarolinaHound Sun Feb 08, 2009 8:14 pm
I actually admire Bush and his restraint on that one. Had it been me, I'd of been chunking my steel toes back at him. lol It was funny though.
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by PaulM Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:57 am
I don't doubt for a second that he was beaten and tortured... I would like to see his charge reduced to a political/nationalistic gesture rather than assault (which I don't believe was the intent).
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Guest Mon Feb 09, 2009 5:22 pm
PaulM wrote:I don't doubt for a second that he was beaten and tortured... I would like to see his charge reduced to a political/nationalistic gesture rather than assault (which I don't believe was the intent).
Agreed, punishment doesn't fit the crime.
Guest- Guest
Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Mon Feb 09, 2009 6:27 pm
Lisan?
The avatar.
Who is it?
The avatar.
Who is it?
Cartoon Head- Number of posts : 1661
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by PaulM Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:50 am
Absolutely.lisan23 wrote:PaulM wrote:I don't doubt for a second that he was beaten and tortured... I would like to see his charge reduced to a political/nationalistic gesture rather than assault (which I don't believe was the intent).
Agreed, punishment doesn't fit the crime.
BTW... love the new avatar
I've only seen 'The Office' a few times, but it's definately twisted
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Tue Feb 10, 2009 10:23 am
Ah yes.
'The Office'.
Made in Britian, and adapted for US television.
The UK version is a lot better, however, you need a really dry sense of humour.
'The Office'.
Made in Britian, and adapted for US television.
The UK version is a lot better, however, you need a really dry sense of humour.
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:41 am
I love it!The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Ah yes.
'The Office'.
Made in Britian, and adapted for US television.
The UK version is a lot better, however, you need a really dry sense of humour.
The Office and The Flight of The Conchords are the 2 best shows on TV, imo. I'm all about dry humor. And nobody on the planet does it better than the Brits.
The shoe thrower, not so much. Many times I have felt like throwing a shoe at someone, even a frying pan at some people *Ahem
*, but it really does show bad form. The guy's a loser, imo. 
HotParadox-
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:42 pm
Maybe the guy thought Bush's shoe choice was poor, and he was simply trying to help out?
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:50 pm
That's got to be it, because if he were really thinking clearly and actually wanted to hurt him, he would've tossed a cast iron skillet his way.The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Maybe the guy thought Bush's shoe choice was poor, and he was simply trying to help out?
HotParadox-
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:02 pm
HotParadox wrote:That's got to be it, because if he were really thinking clearly and actually wanted to hurt him, he would've tossed a cast iron skillet his way.The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Maybe the guy thought Bush's shoe choice was poor, and he was simply trying to help out?
Did Bush keep the shoe?
If he did that is technically theft.
He could be arrested.
Or even hanged.
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:57 pm
I think he did keep the shoe, Steve. In fact, I think you've found the loophole. Hang the bastard.The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:HotParadox wrote:That's got to be it, because if he were really thinking clearly and actually wanted to hurt him, he would've tossed a cast iron skillet his way.The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Maybe the guy thought Bush's shoe choice was poor, and he was simply trying to help out?
Did Bush keep the shoe?
If he did that is technically theft.
He could be arrested.
Or even hanged.
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JUST KIDDING!
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:07 pm
Remember he once almost choked on some snack? A pretzel? Do you think that pretzel was a 'terrorist'..?
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:48 pm
Yes, Steve I believe I do remember the pretzel incident and that very well may have been an act of a t'rist, as he likes to call them. Do you remember the times he choked on his own words?The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Remember he once almost choked on some snack? A pretzel? Do you think that pretzel was a 'terrorist'..?
Last edited by HotParadox on Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:50 pm
I think he did that several times.
Hey, think about it, you might have ended up with Palin, at some point?
Imagine her, and her 'hockey mom' thing facing down Vladimir Putin.
Lol, that doesn't sit with me, somehow!
Hey, think about it, you might have ended up with Palin, at some point?
Imagine her, and her 'hockey mom' thing facing down Vladimir Putin.
Lol, that doesn't sit with me, somehow!
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:25 pm
It doesn't sit well with me either, so please don't get me started. I have a migraine and when I have one, I often feel nauseous. You would not want to put me over the edge, would you?!The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:I think he did that several times.
Hey, think about it, you might have ended up with Palin, at some point?
Imagine her, and her 'hockey mom' thing facing down Vladimir Putin.
Lol, that doesn't sit with me, somehow!
Go read the stuff on Coke!
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:31 pm
HotParadox wrote:It doesn't sit well with me either, so please don't get me started. I have a migraine and when I have one, I often feel nauseous. You would not want to put me over the edge, would you?!The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:I think he did that several times.
Hey, think about it, you might have ended up with Palin, at some point?
Imagine her, and her 'hockey mom' thing facing down Vladimir Putin.
Lol, that doesn't sit with me, somehow!
Go read the stuff on Coke!
You know what the cure is, of course, right?
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:36 pm
I think that comes under the heading of "Things That Can Only Be PM'd." 
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*Why the reindeer ?* Dunno. Feeling festive, I guess.
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*Why the reindeer ?* Dunno. Feeling festive, I guess.
HotParadox-
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by HotParadox Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:26 pm
Sorry. I fell asleep at the computer. When was I ever correct? You're scaring me.The Ghost Of Yeah Well Fi wrote:Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrect.
HotParadox-
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Re: IRAQI SHOE THROWER DUE IN COURT
by Cartoon Head Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:28 pm
Can't remember. I fell asleep at my computer as well.
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HotParadox-
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