Shoe-Thrower Tortured Into Writing Apology

Zaidi 'would do it again,' will sue Iraqi police for abuse, brother says
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 22, 2008 11:51 AM CST
Shoe-Thrower Tortured Into Writing Apology
Protestors hold shoes up during a demonstration outside the US Embassy in London Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Muntadar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush during a press conference in Iraq, was tortured into writing a letter of apology to the American president, his brother told the Guardian today. Zaidi has allegedly suffered cigarette burns to his ears, is missing a tooth, and was doused with cold water while naked by Iraqi police.

Zaidi, who “has no regret and … would do it again,” his brother said, plans to sue the government for the alleged abuse. The prime minister’s office said last week Zaidi had written the letter in a request for a pardon, and said a “known terrorist” put him up to the stunt. Zaidi’s trial begins Dec. 31. (More shoes stories.)

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