Iraq shoe thrower sentenced to three years jail

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BAGHDAD, Mar 12 (Agencies): A Baghdad court sentenced an Iraqi reporter who hurled his shoes at former US president George W Bush to three years in prison Thursday.

Muntazer al-Zaidi worked for Al-Baghdadiya television, and earned instant worldwide fame when he threw his shoes at Bush at a news conference in December, calling him a dog.

"This sentence is harsh and is not in harmony with the law, and eventually the defence team will contest this in the appeals court," said Dhiaa al-Saadi, the head of Zaidi's defence team.

Zaidi's sister Ruqaiya burst into tears, shouting "Down with Maliki, the agent of the Americans," referring to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Zaidi's brother, Uday, said the verdict was politically motivated. Iraqi journalist who threw shoes pleads not guilty

Meanwhile, the Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at then-President George W Bush has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.

Muntadhar al-Zaidi, addressing the judges as his trial resumed Thursday, says his action was a "natural response to the occupation."