SYDNEY (AP) - Iraq's leader says the journalist who threw his
shoes at former President George W. Bush received a fair trial.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also says his government did not
intervene in the proceedings. But, in a broadcast interview, the
Iraqi leader offers little sympathy for the man.
Muntadhar al-Zeidi (MOON'-tuh-dahr ahl-zay-EE'-dee) was
sentenced earlier this month to three years in prison after a quick
trial that fed suspicion that the government had intervened.
Al-Maliki says the man could have faced much worse for insulting
a visiting head of state -- as much as 15 years, or even execution.
The brazen act turned the 30-year-old reporter into a folk hero
across the Arab world.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement