Iraq : Mr Al Zaïdi sentenced to 3 years in prison for having thrown his shoes at the former president Bush

14 Mar 2009
muntadharalzaidiThe journalist Muntadhar Al Zaïdi was sentenced on 12 March 2009, as a result of an unfair trial, to 3 years in prison for "assaulting against a foreign head of state during an official visit". His lawyers have appealed this decision at the High Court of Baghdad.

Mr Muntadhar Al Zaidi was arrested by the security services during the press conference given by the American president, George W. Bush, on 14 December 2008 for having thrown his shoes at the president as a sign of protest against his policies in Iraq.

This arrest was conducted in a particularly violent way and Mr Al Zaïdi was taken to an unknown destination. Alkarama thereafter learned that he had been subjected to torture. On 19 December 2008, the organisation sought the urgent intervention of the Special Rapporteur on Torture with the Iraqi authorities. See communiqué.

Mr Al Zaïdi pleaded his innocence, saying that he had a "natural reaction, just like any Iraqi (would have done)" in front of the President Bush who boasted, with a big smile, of his so-called success in Iraq.

The sentence was only handed down before the accused journalist and his 25 lawyers. His family and the public were not allowed to attend the hearing.

Alkarama intends to send an appeal to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention because the trial was conducted in violation of the fundamental principles guaranteeing Mr Al Zaïdi's rights.

Iraq