Iraqi shoe-thrower expected in court

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-17-2008 14:29

Pics: Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush in Baghdad

The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush during a press conference is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday.

The hearing will be the first step in a complex legal process that could eventually become a criminal trial.

Noureddin Al-Hiyali, Member of Iraqi Accordance Front Sunni Bloc.(CCTV.com)

Many people across the Arab world have elevated the shoe-thrower, Muntadhar al-Zeidi to folk hero status.

There is widespread sympathy for his act across the region. But Iraqi authorities have 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-Zeidi should stand trial. Iraqi

officials have recommended charging him with insulting a foreign leader.

Investigative judges in Iraq have sweeping powers to amend and add on charges or even dismiss a case.