George W. Bush Shoe Attacker Released from Iraqi Prison

Muntadhar al-Zaidi claims he was tortured throughout his stay in prison for throwing his shoes at then-President George W. Bush and that he was actually being beaten as the press conference proceeded following the incident. In remarks made after his release, al-Zaidi made it clear that he is not sorry for his act, although he acknowledged that his act was in no way heroic.

"I am not a hero and I admit that," he added. "I am a person with a stance. I saw my country burning." al-Zaidi saw his opportunity as one of the few ways that he could make his position known and in which he could demonstrate the frustration of a nation in ruins.

He did, however, apologize to his fellow journalists for his unprofessional conduct and he understands that perhaps a better forum could have been created for him to air his problems with Bush administration policies. In the Islamic world, throwing your shoes at someone and calling them a dog - both of which al-Zaidi did to Bush - are among the most degrading and hateful of insults.

Many Iraqis rallied to support al-Zaidi and he was given a conditional early release based on his good behavior while in custody. During interviews given after his release, he has claimed that he was beaten with cables and pipes and electrocuted while in custody in an Iraqi prison. It appears that he lays the blame for his treatment with the current Iraqi government and not, necessarily, with George W. Bush.