Shoe-Thrower Appears In Court

Sky News
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008

The Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at George Bush has appeared in court, his television station says.

An investigative judge will review the evidence in the case and decide whether Muntadhar al Zeidi should stand trial.

The reporter has been in custody since Sunday, when he targeted the US President during a news conference in Baghdad.

Iraq's interior ministry has denied reports that the journalist suffered a severe beating after being arrested.

"The rumours about al Zeidi being injured or being hurt are baseless," ministry spokesman Major General Abdul-Karim Khalaf said.

(ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW)

One of the reporter's brothers claimed he had a broken leg, cracked ribs and injuries under his eye.

Al Zeidi's court appearance is the first stage in a complex legal process which could take months.

Officials in Iraq have recommended charging him with insulting a foreign leader, an offence which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a small fine.

Full article here