Iraqi shoe-thrower released

Iraqi shoe-thrower released Ahmed Rasheed I Reuters

A HERO'S WELCOME: Iraqi reporter Muntadar Al-Zeidi embraces his sister on arrival at Al-Baghdadiya television station following his release from prison on Tuesday. (Reuters) BAGHDAD: An Iraqi reporter who shot to worldwide fame when he hurled his shoes at then US President George W. Bush was released from prison on Tuesday. Muntadar Al-Zeidi, whose outburst during a news conference last December chimed with the feelings of many Iraqis toward the former US leader, was met outside the jail by parliamentarians who support him, his brother Uday Al-Zeidi said. Al-Zeidi later flew to Syria on a private jet en route to Greece where he will undergo medical treatment. "He is in an undisclosed place because we fear for his life," his brother said. Al-Zeidi was sentenced to three years in jail but his sentence was later reduced to one year. "Today I am free again but my home is still a prison," he told reporters shortly after his release, a swipe at the continued US military presence in Iraq. Al-Zeidi said he was tortured after arrest. He said guards beat him with cables, metal tubes and gave him electric shocks. Al-Baghdadiya television showed footage of Al-Zeidi arriving at its station surrounded by guards. He was wrapped in an Iraqi flag and wore black sunglasses. On arrival, the staff at his TV station slaughtered at least three sheep in his honor. "The occupation invaded us under the pretext of liberation. It divided brothers, neighbors, made our houses endless funeral tents and our streets cemeteries," he said. Millions of people across the world saw online or TV footage of Al-Zeidi throwing his shoes at Bush. Many viewers, including in the United States, applauded the journalist's bravery. Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez called him courageous. A Libyan group headed by Muammar Qaddafi's daughter gave him an award. Fathers from other Arab nations offered Al-Zeidi their daughters as brides.