Friday
Jan162009
Iraq: Update on Muntazar al-Zaidi
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 18:25
Ever since his trial was delayed at the end of December, there has been little news of Muntazar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush.
Today, however, al-Zaidi was allowed to talk for two hours with his brother Maitham, who said the journalist was in good shape. Another brother, Dargham, said that the prisoner turned 30 the day before, and "some patriotic officers...organized a party for him and brought birthday cake". Muntazar al-Zaidi's spirits were further boosted when he learned on Friday of the approval of his actions: "He was very happy when he heard that all the Iraqis support him. He even cried when he heard that there were even demonstrations on his behalf in the United States."
Despite the good news, Muntazar al-Zaidi is still not being allowed to see his lawyer, who has only been allowed into the prison once since al-Zaidi's arrest.
Today, however, al-Zaidi was allowed to talk for two hours with his brother Maitham, who said the journalist was in good shape. Another brother, Dargham, said that the prisoner turned 30 the day before, and "some patriotic officers...organized a party for him and brought birthday cake". Muntazar al-Zaidi's spirits were further boosted when he learned on Friday of the approval of his actions: "He was very happy when he heard that all the Iraqis support him. He even cried when he heard that there were even demonstrations on his behalf in the United States."
Despite the good news, Muntazar al-Zaidi is still not being allowed to see his lawyer, who has only been allowed into the prison once since al-Zaidi's arrest.
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