Judge visits Iraqi shoe-tossing journalist in jail

AP
Baghdad: The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W Bush was visited by a judge in jail, the reporter’s brother said at a news conference.
Muntadar Al Zaidi has been in custody since Sunday, when he gained folk hero status across the Arab world by throwing both shoes at Bush during a news conference. Bush ducked twice during the bizarre assault and was not injured.
Al Zaidi was expected to appear in court, but his brother, Durgham, tells The Associated Press he was informed by a judge that another judge has visited him in jail instead.
Durgham says he believes the visit suggests his brother was beaten “and they fear that his appearance could trigger anger at the court.”
Despite widespread sympathy for his act across the region, Iraqi authorities sent the case to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, which handles security and terrorism cases.
An investigative judge will review the evidence and decide whether Al Zaidi should stand trial a process that could take months. Iraq officials have recommended charging him with insulting a foreign leader, a charge which carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment or a small fine.
But investigative judges have sweeping powers under Iraqi law to amend and add charges or even dismiss the case. If the judge finds enough evidence to warrant prosecution, a judicial panel will appoint three judges to hear the case and set a trial date.
A Shiite lawmaker said he expected Al Zaidi to be released on bail in the next few days while the investigative judge considers the case.
A wave of support has streamed in since the incident on Sunday. Thousands of Iraqi supporters took to the streets urging authorities to release Al Zaidi.
Al Baghdadiya television, his employer, said Al Zaidi would be represented by Dhiaa Saadi, head of the Iraqi lawyers’ association.
The head of Jordan’s Bar Association, Saleh Armouti, said scores of lawyers have volunteered to help defend Al Zaidi
 
Courtesy: gulfnews.com