BAGHDAD // An Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at the former US president George W Bush in a stunning act of protest that made him a hero around the Arab world was released from a Baghdad prison today, his brother said. Muntadhar al Zeidi left an Iraqi army base where the prison is located, accompanied by several members of parliament, said his brother Uday, who was waiting with other relatives outside the family's home in central Baghdad.
Celebrations erupted outside the home. Women cried out and broke into traditional Iraqi dances. "I congratulate the Iraqi people and the Muslim world and all free men across the world on the release of Muntadhar," Uday told a crowd of dozens of journalists. "Every time Bush turns a new page in his life he will find Muntadhar's shoes waiting for him." The Iraqi prime minister Nouri al Maliki was deeply embarrassed by his act of protest. Mr al Maliki was standing beside Mr Bush at a December 14 news conference when the reporter suddenly shot up from his chair had hurled his shoes toward the podium.
Mr Bush was unhurt but had to duck twice to avoid being hit. Mr al Zeidi's brother said the reporter will travel to Greece on Thursday for medical checkups and because he had concerns about his safety. "He fears for his life," Uday said. He also repeated the family's claims that the journalist was mistreated while in Iraqi custody. The reporter spent nine months in jail. Mr al Zeidi's protest stirred millions across the Arab world who have been captivated and angered by images of destruction and grieving since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" he shouted at Mr Bush in Arabic as he hurled the shoes. "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq," he continued. For days, the scene was played endlessly on regional and international TV channels. *AP
