The Iraqi journalist who became an instant media star for hurling his shoes at US President George W. Bush appeared on Wednesday before a judge investigating the incident, his brother said.
Muntazer al-Zaidi, 29, a television reporter whom relatives and colleagues said acted because he “detested” Bush and the US, was brought before the judge in the high-security Green Zone in the heart of Baghdad, the brother said.
Durgham al-Zaidi said he and another brother were told by the investigating judge that Muntazar had “cooperated well,” but that they were unable to attend the hearing and had no further details.
PHOTO: EPA
Under Iraqi law, Zaidi risks up to seven years in jail for “offending the head of a foreign state.”
Lead lawyer Dhiya al-Saadi said he had yet to see his client, but that he would apply for permission to see him and would also lodge a bail request.
The lawyer, who heads Iraq’s bar association, said he saw no reason for the bail application to be refused.
“The investigation is virtually complete and there is no risk of his absconding,” he said.
In a solidarity demonstration on Wednesday in the western city of Fallujah, a former insurgent stronghold, students hurled shoes at US marines at a local business school.
One student was hit by gunfire in the leg. It was unclear who fired the shot.
“About 200 people gathered outside the Fallujah Business School,” the US military said in a statement.
“The crowd began throwing rocks, sticks and shoes at coalition forces who were at the school for conducting a planned Economic Development-Education Development engagement with the dean,” it said.
“While leaving the school, the coalition forces heard a gunshot. They did not see who fired the shot and continued to leave the school,” it said.
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