Heartbreaking News: Liberal Mascot Facing 15 Years In Jail

I'm sure there'll be all sorts of feigned outrage over this, although since George W. Bush is now in retirement, his usefuleness has passed. Maybe they can cut a deal whereby he can do an NPR show from jail, thus satisfying all sides.

The Iraqi journalist who gained worldwide cult status for throwing his shoes at former President George W. Bush faces up to 15 years in jail.

Muntazer al-Zaidi faced court today on charges of assaulting a visiting head of State during the stunt last December.

But the trial was soon adjourned while the court considers whether Mr Bush's visit was formal or informal.

Zaidi was handcuffed and surrounded by a pack of security guards when he was brought to Iraq's Central Criminal Court in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

He looked solemn as as he arrived at court wearing an Iraqi flag tied round his neck as a scarf.

Family members waiting for him inside the courthouse ululated wildly as he was brought in.

Relatives and supporters applauded and chanted 'Imam Ali is with you hero,' in reference to a revered Shiite Muslim saint.

The judge asked Zaidi to state his name, occupation and address.

Zaidi has been imprisoned for more than two months and his family claim he was beaten after being pounced on by security guards at Bush's news conference.

His defence lawyers lost an appeal to have the charges reduced to insulting Bush, a lesser offence.