"This is a gift from the Iraqis. This is the farewell kiss, you dog," shouted Muntather al-Zeidi in Arabic as he threw his shoes at Bush during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Dec. 14th.

Informed sources in Baghdad confirmed Mr. Al-Zeidi was heavily beaten right after the incident. (He can be heard shouting in pain in this video). And after beating him, the Iraqi authorities arrested Mr. Al-Zaidi.

Here is a statement issued by Al-Baghdadia (the TV channel he works with):

http://www.albaghdadia.com/
(rough translation)

Al Baghdadia asks the Iraqi authorities to immediately release our employee Montather Al-Zaidi in line with the Iraqi and US promises of democracy and freedom of expression. Any action taken against Montather Al-Zaidi will remind us of the behavior we experienced during the time of the dictatorship era that when we witnessed violence, arbitrary arrests, mass graves and the confiscation of public freedoms and private.

We also call for press and media institutions and the Arab world to stand in solidarity with Montatger Al-Zaidi and call for his release.

(end translation)

Please sign this petition to demand the immediate release of Mr. Al-Zeidi

We the undersigned ask for the immediate release of Mr. Montather Al-Zeidi