Baghdad, man who threw shoes at Bush released. Sentence reduced for "good conduct"
Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The family of Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist famous for having launched his boots against former U.S. President George W. Bush is preparing to celebrate his release, which should happen within the day. The confirmation comes from the man’s lawyer, who explains the decision to release him is based on " good conduct" during his nine months of detention.
The initial sentence 30 year-old Shiite Zaidi, was three years in prison for assaulting a foreign head of state, on appeal the sentence was reduced to one year. His lawyer Dhiya al-Saadi, states that in the "morning" his release, eagerly awaited by his family, will be confirmed. The Iraqi authorities have begun release procedures, which usually require several days.
On 14 December 2008, during Bush’s last visit of to Iraq, Zaidi launched a shoe at the former U.S. president as a sign of contempt, shouting "this is a farewell kiss, you dog." Bush managed to avoid the sudden attack laughing it off, the incident, however, caused great embarrassment in government circles in Baghdad and to the same U.S. president.
The gesture made the journalist famous as well as the small TV station for which he worked, which has continued to pay his salary even during his months of prison. Today job offers from the major Arab media are pouring in, wealthy businessmen have promised expensive gifts such as sports cars and Arab women are competing to marry him.
However, Iraqi opinions over the incident remains mixed. "He's a brave man," said Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi, spokesman for radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, “and his release is a victory for all those who fought against occupation”. The opinion of an employee of the Ministry of Defence is in stark opposition, and many others like him condemn the act. "I do not think he made a heroic gesture," says Ali Adnan, 32. "There is a widespread opinion among Iraqis – he adds - that Bush deserved what happened, but in our tradition we can not offend a host”. 52 year old entrepreneur, Abdul Jabhar Hashem, has a similar opinion: "If I see him on the street, I will certainly not say 'Hello'."
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