BAGHDAD — The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W. Bush is expected to appear before a judge today in the first step of a legal process that could end in a criminal trial, a government official and the reporter’s brother said.
Muntadar al-Zeidi has been in custody since Sunday, when he gained folk-hero status across the Arab world by throwing his shoes at Bush during a news conference. Bush ducked twice during the bizarre assault and was not injured.
Throwing a shoe at a person is considered a particularly severe insult and sign of disrespect in the Arab world.
Despite widespread sympathy for his act across the region, Iraqi authorities sent the case to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, which handles security and terrorism cases. An investigative judge will review the evidence and decide whether al-Zeidi should stand trial — a process that could take months. Iraq officials have recommended charging him with insulting a foreign leader, which carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment or a small fine.
But investigative judges have sweeping powers under Iraqi law to amend and add charges — or even dismiss the case.
Shiite lawmaker Bahaa al-Araji said he expected al-Zeidi, who’s in his late 20s, to be released on bail in the next few days while the investigative judge considers the case.
Al-Baghdadia TV, his employer, said al-Zeidi would be represented by Dhiaa Saadi, head of the Iraqi lawyers’ association.
The head of Jordan’s Bar Association, Saleh Armouti, said scores of lawyers have volunteered to help defend al-Zeidi. The association is dominated by hard-line Muslims and leftists critical of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
