U.S. troops confront Iraqis rallying in favor of shoe-thrower

[babylonsister]

U.S. troops confront Iraqis rallying in favor of shoe-thrower

A protest in Fallujah Wednesday for the release of journalist Muntathar al Zaidi.

Jamal Naji / MCT

A protest in Fallujah Wednesday for the release of journalist Muntathar al Zaidi.

By Jenan Hussein and Laith Hammoudi | McClatchy Newspapers



BAGHDAD — The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush appeared before an Iraqi investigative judge Wednesday and will face charges of attacking a head of state, a judicial spokesman said.

Muntathar al Zaidi, a correspondent for the Baghdadiya television station, remains in government custody. Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdul Sattar Beroqdar said Zaidi would face trial after the judge's investigation finished. He didn't give a timeline for the process.

Iraqis on the street continue to show support for Zaidi, who disrupted a news conference Sunday in Baghdad by Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki.

University students rallied for Zaidi in Fallujah on Wednesday, drawing the attention of U.S. forces.

Students raised their shoes and threw rocks at American soldiers, who reportedly opened fire above the crowd. Protesters said that indirect fire wounded one student, Zaid Salih. U.S. forces haven't confirmed the account.

"We demonstrated to express our support for Muntathar al Zaidi, but we were surprised with the entrance of the U.S. military," said Ahmed Ismail, one of the protesters. "Unconsciously, we raised our shoes expressing our support for al Zaidi, but they attacked us."

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/58019.html

[SpiralHawk]

1. "Nothing to worry about. I'm The Decider. Smirk." - Commander AWOL (R)

[Tinksrival]

2. I miss MoPaul

sigh