Shoe thrower, al-Zaidi/al-Zeidi UPDATE (articles, links...)

[uppityperson]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCzBPBSWhjoRO7vG85P29EP-ffLA

The Iraqi journalist arrested for throwing his shoes at US President George W. Bush has written to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki apologising over the incident, Maliki's office said on Thursday.

"In his letter, he asks the prime minister's pardon," said press aide Yassin Majid, speaking of a note Muntazer al-Zaidi had "written by hand." Majid gave no details of the nature or content of the apology.

Meanwhile, the judge investigating the case said he has denied bail to the 29-year-old reporter for Al-Baghdadia television for his own safety, while adding that he is in good health.

Zaidi, who relatives and colleagues said acted because he "detested" Bush and America, is being held for possible trial for aggression against a foreign head of state during an official visit. He faces between five and 15 years in jail if convicted, but only one to five years if he is found to have carried out "an attempted aggression."...(more)

(note, satire next. Sort of.)
http://www.unconfirmedsources.com/index.php?itemid=3928

In an attempt to avoid 15 years of torture, lashings and beatings, Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi pretended to apologize to U.S. President George W. Bush yesterday. "It was the wrong thing to do", al-Zaidi stated. "I ask for forgiveness and please stop beating me!" al-Zaidi has already suffered a broken arm, lacerations and multiple bruises and contusions.

Nouri al-Maliki, whom the United States installed as puppet Iraqi prime minister, said he would take the forgiveness under advisement. Though al-Zaidi's pleas for clemency sounded sincere, one of his cell mates allegedly heard him saying "I should have used bricks, not shoes!"

Many Iraqi citizens have shown tremendous support for al-Zaidi and some have actually purchased heavy steel-toed work boots to throw at President Bush if they ever see him. "What's the point in throwing loafers", asked another Iraqi journalist who asked not to be named. "And what's the point in calling him a dog if that's not an insult in his country? Al-Zaidi should have called him an asshole".

President George W. Bush simply laughed the entire matter off saying, "he's just another shoeless Iraqi. Who cares?" President elect Barack Obama says he plans to visit Iraq sometime during his presidency but happens to have a pathological fear of shoes so it won't be right away.

[uppityperson]

1. kick

[alsame]

2. Here's a better idea - let this guy go and force Bush to

write a letter of apology to the people of Iraq.

[ColbertWatcher]

3. I like your idea! n/t