The brother of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W Bush has said that the reporter has been beaten in custody.The Iraqi journalists' union disputes the claim, but hasn't actually been to see al-Zaidi.
Muntadar al-Zaidi has suffered a broken hand, broken ribs and internal bleeding, as well as an eye injury, his older brother, Dargham, told the BBC.
...Which may be due to his having been transferred to the US-run prison, Camp Cropper, according to the Iraqi TV network al-Sharqiya. They also report that al-Zaidi's right arm is immobilized and he has "signs of tortures on his thighs."
I want to echo Digby on this:
I actually thought Bush handled this thing quite well. He was literally quick on his feet and didn't take it too seriously. (I thought the "I saw into his sole" thing was particularly good.) He could do a great thing right now by making a public appeal to the Iraqis to pardon this man. It would be magnanimous and do his personal reputation a world of good --- and it would be good for both countries.
Contact the White House (by phone would be best) and politely ask them to support clemency for al-Zaidi.
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