Brother: show-throwing Iraqi's apology was forced
The Associated Press, Baghdad | Mon, 12/22/2008 4:12 PM
The apology letter from the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush was written against his will after torture in detention, his brother said Monday.
Muntadhar al-Zeidi was wrestled to the ground moments after throwing his shoes during a Dec. 14 news conference of Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The investigating judge in the case acknowledged last week that al-Zeidi was beaten around the face and eyes.
But the journalist's brother Uday told The Associated Press that he visited Muntadhar in jail on Sunday and saw more-severe injuries, including a missing tooth and burns on his ears made by cigarettes.
Uday al-Zeidi said his brother intends to file suit related to the injuries, but did not have details on when it would be filed or who specifically it would name.
The prime minister's office said last week that al-Zeidi had written a letter of apology and asked al-Maliki to recommend a pardon.
But Uday al-Zeidi said his brother told him the letter was written against his will because of torture during detention that included being doused with cold water while naked.
"He told me that he has no regret because of what he done and said that he would do it again if time went back," Uday said by telephone.
The prime minister, meanwhile, claimed that al-Zeidi said in the letter that a known terrorist had induced him to throw the shoes.
"He revealed ... that a person provoked him to commit this act and that person is known to us for slitting throats," al-Maliki said, according to the prime minister's Web site. The alleged instigator was not named.
The premier also said that his government remains "committed to protecting the journalist in performing his professional duty" and guarantees him the right to practice his profession "on condition that he does not violate the dignity of others."
Neither Bush nor al-Maliki have sought charges, but investigating judge Dhia al-Kinani said last week he does not have the legal option to drop the case.
Al-Zeidi is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader, for which a conviction could bring two years' imprisonment.
His outburst was repeatedly broadcast worldwide and he has become a potent symbol for opponents of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. Thousands of Iraqis have rallied to demand al-Zeidi's release.
| 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|