Arm and ribs of shoe attack journalist broken

Baghdad: The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush has a broken arm and ribs after being struck by Iraqi security agents, his brother said on Tuesday.

Durgham Al Zaidi was unable to say whether his brother Muntadar had sustained the injuries while being overpowered during Sunday's protest against Bush's visit to Baghdad or while in custody later.

He said he had been told that his brother was being held by Iraqi forces in the heavily fortified Green Zone compound in central Baghdad where the US embassy and most government offices are housed.

"He has got a broken arm and ribs, and cuts to his eye and arm," said Durgham.

"He is being held by forces under the command of Muwaffaq Al Rubaie," Iraq's national security adviser, he added.

Al Zaidi, 29, a journalist for private Iraqi television channel Al Baghdadia, was swiftly overpowered by Iraqi security forces after he threw the shoes at Bush in a gesture seen as the supreme mark of disrespect in the Muslim world.

A journalist said that blood was visible on the ground as he was led away into custody although it was unclear if it was his.

Bush, who was on a swansong visit to the battleground that came to dominate his eight-year presidency, ducked when the shoes were thrown and later made light of the incident.

Referring the case to the judiciary usually signals the beginning of a lengthy process that could end in a criminal trial. Cases referred to the judiciary are given to a judge who reviews the evidence and recommends whether to hold a trial or release the defendant.

Another panel then sets a trial date and appoints judges to hear the case. The process can take months.

Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Abdul-Karim Khalaf said Al Zaidi could face charges of insulting a foreign leader and the Iraqi prime minister, who was standing next to Bush. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail.

Hundreds took to the streets yesterday for a second day to demand the release of Al Zaidi.

Many Iraqis, however, believe Al Zaidi was a hero for insulting an American president widely blamed for the chaos that has engulfed their country since the US-led invasion of 2003.

In Mosul, Iraq's third-largest city, located north of Baghdad, an estimated 1,000 protesters carried banners and chanted slogans demanding Al Zaidi's release.

Opinion: Reader comments

"I am an American woman who believes this Iraqi is a hero. George W. Bush will be seeing many more shoes after his reign is over in Washington." Wendy, Switzerland

"It's entirely a barbaric act. There's always a decent way to show protest. These are not the proper ethics of a journalist." Jovy, Dubai

"This journalist represents the people all around the world who are unhappy with the failing policies of the most unpopular president in the history of America." Mohammad Ali Khan, Dubai

"Mr [Al] Zaidi is crazy thinking that President Bush is responsible in making Iraq a chaotic country." Abu Salem, Dubai