Brother: Torture Drove Shoe-Hurler to Apologize

Journalist was reportedly beaten into asking Bush for a pardon

Baghdad residents take part in a protest demanding Iraqi TV reporter Muntadhar al-Zeidi be freed from detention, Dec. 20, 2008. Zaidi, who threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush during a recent news conference in Iraq, apologized to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for embarrassing him on the world stage, the prime minister’s office said. (Photo credit: Reuters / Mohammed Ameen)

Dec. 22, 2008

BAGHDAD — The apology letter from the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush was written against his will after he was tortured in detention, his brother said Monday.

Muntadhar al-Zeidi was wrestled to the ground moments after throwing his shoes during a Dec. 14 news conference of Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The investigating judge in the case acknowledged last week that al-Zeidi was beaten around the face and eyes.

But the journalist’s brother Uday told The Associated Press that he visited Muntadhar in jail on Sunday and saw more-severe injuries, including a missing tooth and burns on his ears made by cigarettes. …

The prime minister’s office said last week that al-Zeidi had written a letter of apology and asked al-Maliki to recommend a pardon.

Uday al-Zeidi said his brother told him the letter was written against his will because of torture during detention that included being doused with cold water while naked.

“He told me that he has no regret because of what he did and that he would do it again,” Uday said by telephone. …

‘A person provoked him to commit this act’

The prime minister, meanwhile, claimed that al-Zeidi said in the apology letter that a known terrorist had induced him to throw the shoes.

“He revealed … that a person provoked him to commit this act and that person is known to us for slitting throats,” al-Maliki said, according to the prime minister’s Web site. The alleged instigator was not named. …

Neither Bush nor al-Maliki have sought charges, but investigating judge Dhia al-Kinani said last week he does not have the legal option to drop the case.

Al-Zeidi is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader, for which a conviction could bring two years’ imprisonment. The trial is to begin Dec. 31, Uday al-Zeidi said. Court officials could not be reached for confirmation.

The Iraqi journalist’s shoe-throwing was repeatedly broadcast worldwide and he has become a potent symbol for opponents of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. Thousands of Iraqis have rallied to demand his release.

Conflict in Iraq video

Rice on shoe heard ‘round world (MSNBC, Dec. 21, 2008) — Condoleezza Rice says the real headline in Pres. Bush’s trip abroad was missed among all the press coverage of the Iraqi journalist who threw a shoe at Pres. Bush. She also talks about Iraq now, and whether or not she would support the U.S. invasion again if she knew then what she did now. (03:44)

Related reports

Iraqi Shoe-Hurler Asks for Pardon (Dec. 19, 2008; scroll down)

Bush Shoe-Hurler Sparks Chaos in Iraq Parliament (Dec. 17, 2008)

In Middle East, Arabs Hail Shoe-Hurling Journalist (Dec. 16, 2008)

Bush on Farewell Visit to Iraq Dodges Flying Shoes (Dec. 15, 2008)