As we like to do, WORLDMEETS.US has posted an Iraqi write-thru on the trial and sentencing of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi, who on Thursday of last week, was sentenced to three years in prison for throwing his shoes at President Bush during a farewell visit to Baghdad last December.
This article, a translation from the Iraqi News Agency, contains a number of interesting details not mentioned in the English-language coverage – including quotes from the reporter’s sister about how Muntadar al-Zeidi wanted people to react to his sentencing, and the fact that after asking for final statements, the judge advised al-Zeidi to keep his mouth shut.
Muntadar al-Zeidi’s sister Doniya is quoted as saying:
“Not unexpectedly, the court gave my brother a harsh sentence. But in not taking his side, the court ruled against a son that represents all of Iraq. … The court has instead stood by Bush – and we all know the great tragedy that this man inflicted on Iraqis. … Montazer told us not to cry or feel sorrow – and to distribute drinks and chocolates when the sentence was handed down, because as he said, he was not being judged for a dishonorable crime, but for an act that he believes in and for which he is not ashamed.”
Translated By James Jacobson
March 13, 2009
Iraq – Iraqi News Agency – Original Article (Arabic)
The sister of the Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi, [Doniya al-Zeidi], has expressed grief over the three year sentence imposed on him and regretted that the court didn’t stand by him.
“Not unexpectedly, the court gave my brother a harsh sentence. But in not taking his side, the court ruled against a son that represents all of Iraq.” She added, “The court has instead stood by Bush – and we all know the great tragedy that this man inflicted on Iraqis.”
Al-Zeidi’s sister continued, saying, “Montazer told us not to cry or feel sorrow – and to distribute drinks and chocolates when the sentence was handed down, because as he said, he was not being judged for a dishonorable crime, but for an act that he believes in and for which he is not ashamed.”
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