Legal Commentary

Iraqi Shoe-Thrower's Brother Alleges Beatings in Custody

By Jeralyn

The brother of Muntadar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush says he's been beaten in custody, a charge denied by the Iraqis.

Muntadar al-Zaidi has allegedly suffered a broken arm, broken ribs and internal bleeding, his older brother, Dargham, told the BBC.....Earlier, Dargham al-Zaidi told the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Baghdad he believed his brother had been taken to a US military hospital in the Iraqi capital.

Demonstrations in support of al-Zaidi continue and huge amounts of money are being offered for the shoes.

Here at home, the National Lawyers Guild has started a campaign to support him through charitable giving to Americans: [More...]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
December 15, 2008

NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD LAUNCHES “GIVE BUSH THE BOOT” SHOE DRIVE IN SUPPORT OF IRAQI REPORTER MUNTAZER AL-ZAIDI

In light of the recent shoe-throwing incident in Baghdad, the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) urges Americans to show their opposition to the
policies of the Bush administration by donating pairs of shoes to their local homeless shelters and other organizations serving the needy. The gesture is also intended as a show of support for Iraqi reporter Muntazer al-Zaidi who remains in detention, accused by the Iraqi government of a “barbaric act.” Al-Zaidi threw his shoes at George W. Bush during his recent surprise visit to Iraq. Al-Zaidi has been hailed as a hero in the Arab world as thousands marched today to demand his release. A spokesman for the prime minister said that al-Zaidi may be sent for trial on charges of insulting the Iraqi state.

In a news conference with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad yesterday, Mr. al-Zaidi shouted “this is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog,” then flung one shoe at Bush—the worst insult in the Arab world—forcing him to duck. A second shoe flew over Bush's head and hit the wall behind him.

“With that single brave act, Mr. al-Zaidi has inspired the Guild to transform one country’s negative symbol into a gesture of goodwill,” says Heidi Boghosian, NLG Executive Director.

NLG President Marjorie Cohn says, “The support for al-Zaidi shown by many Iraqis demonstrates the depth of opposition to Bush’s war and occupation of Iraq. We call on all Americans to join in this campaign as we urge the Iraqi government to afford al-Zaidi his full due process rights.”

The shoe drive will run until January 19, 2009, President Bush’s last full day in office. The NLG asks you to visit here to show your support for this drive.

To find a Salvation Army by entering your zip code.

To find a Goodwill location. To find locations of churches or other facilities that provide clothing free-of-charge to the needy, please call the NLG National Office at
212-679-5100.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on December 16, 2008 (boomark / email).