Iraqi shoe thrower to be a free man today

The family of the Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who was jailed for throwing his shoes at former US President George W Bush is preparing a festive welcome for the TV reporter, who is to be released from prison Monday after nine months behind bars.

The family of the Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who was jailed for throwing his shoes at former US President George W Bush is preparing a festive welcome for the TV reporter, who is to be released from prison Monday after nine months behind bars.

At his family's home yesterday, relatives were already celebrating, waving Iraqi flags and hanging balloons and posters of the reporter on the walls.

Claim to fame

Al-Zeidi, a little-known reporter for a small Iraqi TV station, became an icon for many in the Arab world in a single moment last December.

Freedom, at last: Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, who was in jail for throwing a shoe at George W Bush last December, will be released today.

As Bush and Iraq's prime minister addressed a news conference, the reporter jumped from his seat and hurled his shoes at the American president.

Bush was unhurt, but forced to duck. Al-Zeidi shouted at him in Arabic, "This is your farewell kiss, you dog! This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."

His act was widely celebrated and even inspired Internet games and T-shirts and led some to try to offer their daughters to him in marriage.

His employer, Al-Baghdadiya TV, expects he will return to work as a television reporter for the station, though some have questioned how he would be able to work again as a journalist in Iraq.

The family is expected to meet him at the prison gates tomorrow. Parties and music are planned for later in the day.

His family is worried about his safety and will try to keep celebrations small because of security concerns, his brother Dargham said.