Shoe flinger had planned attack on Bush for months: Colleagues

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at US president George W Bush "detested America" and had been plotting the attack for months, his colleagues said.

Some people hailed Muntazer al-Zaidi, 28, as a hero after his action against Bush, who ordered the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Anti-US demonstrations were staged in Baghdad and the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf.

"This was a spontaneous action by an Iraqi citizen who was showing his dismay at seeing the president of the country which is occupying our nation," said Liwaa Sumeissim from the anti-American Sadr movement.

The government of Iraq called Zaidi's action "shameful" and demanded an apology from his employer, Al-Baghdadia Television. The company, however, called for Zaidi's immediate release from prison.

One of Zaidi's colleagues in the Baghdad office of Al-Baghdadia said he had been planning to throw shoes at Bush if he ever got the chance. "When he said he was going to do it, we didn't doubt him," he said.

"Muntazer detested America. He detested the US soldiers, he detested Bush," said another co-worker, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity.

An Iraqi lawyer said Zaidi risked a minimum of two years in prison if he were prosecuted for insulting a visiting head of state. He could face a 15-year term if he were charged with attempted murder.