Shoe-flinger for MP

BAGHDAD: An Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former US President George W Bush during a news conference a decade ago, is standing for parliament, campaigning against corruption and sectarianism.

TV correspondent Muntazer al-zaidi became famous across Iraq and the Middle East after throwing his footwear at Bush in Baghdad in 2008, shouting “This is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog!”

Bush ducked. Zaidi served six months in prison for assaulting a visiting leader.

Today, Zaidi is standing for parliament as a member of the movement of firebrand Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-sadr. – Reuters/african News Agency (ANA)