International Federation of Journalists wants shoe-thrower released - Iraq to probe 'custody abuse'

[bigtree]

(Malaysia Sun) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says the Iraqi reporter who threw shoes at US President George Bush over America's role in Iraq should be set free.

His protest, said the IFJ, reflected deep anger at the treatment of Iraqi civilians during the US occupation over the past four years of which journalists have been major victims.

'This journalist was expressing his own deeply felt views and we cannot condone his actions,' said Aidan White, the IFJ general secretary.

'But after years of intimidation, mistreatment and unsolved killings at the hands of US soldiers, it is no surprise that there is anger and resentment among journalists.'

It is no coincidence that the protest comes only days after the US refused to release a detained journalist, despite an Iraqi court order that he should be set free, IFJ pointed out.

'When the US appears to defy the rule of law in Iraq, it is no surprise that journalists will look to other ways to make their protest over injustice,' said White.

http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/442803/cs/1/


Iraq to probe 'custody abuse' of Bush shoe assailant

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq's justice system is to probe the case of the journalist who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush, officials said on Tuesday, as his brother said he had been beaten up by security agents.

"Muntazer al-Zaidi has been transferred to the judicial authorities who have opened an investigation. But it is too soon to say who was behind this act," General Qassem Atta, spokesman for a Baghdad security plan, told AFP.

The journalist's brother, meanwhile, said he has a broken arm and ribs after being struck by Iraqi security agents.

Durgham Zaidi was unable to say whether Muntazer had sustained the injuries while being overpowered during Sunday's protest against Bush's visit to Baghdad or while in custody later.

He said he had been told that his brother was initially held by Iraqi forces in the heavily fortified Green Zone compound in central Baghdad where the US embassy and most government offices are housed.

"He has got a broken arm and ribs, and cuts to his eye and arm," said Durgham.

read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iks-dGSaJhN4cELNz4--uCwIaNFA