Articles | Bush shoe thrower's trial to begin

Bush shoe thrower's trial delayed

Published: Thursday, 19 February 2009, 7:49AM

The trial of an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former President George W Bush has been delayed.

Muntadhar al-Zaidi, who was applauded when he appeared in court, says he was protesting against the continued US presence in Iraq.

The trial was adjourned until March 12 after the judge said more time was needed to find out whether Mr Bush's visit to Iraq was formal or informal.

The charge of assaulting a foreign leader carries a prison term of between five and 15 years.

Mr Bush ducked out of the way of the footwear when it was thrown during a press conference in Baghdad on December 14 with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

On Wednesday, a rally was held in Baghdad by supporters of al-Zaidi who called for his immediate release.

Sheikh Hadi al-Khalisi, who spoke at the rally in the Shia neighbourhood of Kadhimiyah, demanded his release, warning of "grave consequences" if he was not freed.

The 30-year-old reporter had been due to go on trial in December on a charge of assaulting a foreign leader but his defence team won a delay as it sought to reduce the charges to simply insulting Bush.

Al-Zaidi's case became a focus for Iraqis and others in the Muslim world who resent the US invasion and occupation.

He has been in custody since the incident and his family claims he has been beaten and tortured.

The investigating judge has said the journalist was struck about the face and eyes, apparently by security agents who wrestled him to the floor after he hurled his shoes.

Al-Zaidi's brother, Durgham, also said he had been prevented from meeting his lawyer and family.