A statue dedicated to the Iraqi journalist who lobbed his shoes in protest at former United States president George W. Bush showed that humour can be more resonant that a thousand bombs.

Many in Iraq saw the temporary statue as a fitting tribute to Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the journalist who stunned the world when he whipped off his loafers and hurled them at Bush during a press conference on December 14, 2008.

Erected in Tikrit, hometown of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the copper-coloured fibreglass artwork was described by Baghdad-based artist Laith al-Slmari as a tribute to the pride of Iraqi people opposed to the US-led invasion.

Between Arabs, even showing the sole of one’s shoe is considered a sign of disrespect. But the journalist’s gesture prompted a flood of internet quips and widespread appreciation among Arab bloggers. Hundreds of street rallies were held after al-Zeidi was arrested and beaten, with protesters blaming Bush for starting the war in Iraq and backing Israel against the Palestinians. A Turkish shoemaking company claimed its sales rocketed after reports that it had made the shoes that al-Zeidi threw at Bush.

UPDATE: Al-Zeidi was initially sentenced to three years in jail for assaulting a foreign head of state but this was reduced to a year on appeal. He was released after nine months and immediately complained publicly of having been tortured in custody. He was flown out of Iraq to Syria and was expected to seek medical treatment in Greece. His boss at TV station Al-Baghdadiya has promised him a new home in reward for loyalty and the publicity the case generated for the station.

Tags: Baghdad, George Bush, Iraq, Muntadhar al-Zeidi
Categories: news

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