Muntazar al-Zaidi: Shoe-Throwing Trial Opened, Adjourned

Update (10 a.m. GMT): The presiding judge adjourned the trial until 12 March so the court can ask the Iraqi Cabinet whether Bush's visit was "formal or informal". That indicates a political decision is being sought on whether to seek the maximum 15-year sentence for al-Zaidi or to try him on a lesser charge.

As al-Zaidi entered the courtroom, supporters applauded and cheered, ""Imam Ali is with you, hero," referring to a Shi'a saint. Al-Zaidi was handed a scarf printed with the Iraqi flag, which he kissed.

Iraqi journalist Muntazar al-Zaidi, more than two months after he threw his shoes at former US President George W. Bush, goes on trial today in Baghdad. He faces up to 15 years in jail on charges of threatening a foreign leader, although there is speculation that the court will bring in a lesser charge carrying a maximum two-year sentence.